10 Most Underrated Wonderkids in FM24

Find out which underrated wonderkids in FM24 are worth scouting for hidden gems and long-term success.

Discover hidden Football Manager 2024 wonderkids you probably missed — and why they deserve a place in your squad.

FM24’s Most Underrated Wonderkids You Need to Scout

Let me set the scene. It’s late on a Tuesday night, and I’m deep into my fifth season with Sunderland. The board is finally trusting me with some proper transfer funds, and my scouts are bringing in names that seem decent — but nothing special. Frustrated, I dive into my own scouting shortlist — one I’ve built from hours of obsessing over attributes and hidden potential.

That’s when it hits me: we always talk about the same wonderkids. Endrick. Arda Güler. Youssoufa Moukoko. Great, sure — but everyone knows them. What about the lesser-known gems? The lads with modest price tags, overlooked by big clubs, but with the right coaching... absolute beasts in the making.

And let’s be honest — isn’t that one of the best parts of Football Manager? Uncovering that unknown talent, giving them their big break, and watching them blossom into a world-class star under your guidance? That’s what makes the game magical. It’s not just about stats — it’s about stories. It’s about turning a benchwarmer into a Ballon d’Or nominee.

So in this post, I want to take you through some of the most underrated wonderkids in FM24 that I've discovered through my own saves, late-night scout sessions, and community chatter. Ready to discover your next hidden gem?

1. Martin Georgiev (CB, Slavia Sofia)

He’s not flashy. He won’t be in your scouts' top five. But trust me — Martin is the type of centre-back who grows into a rock-solid starter. He’s mentally sharp, loves getting stuck in, and has that rugged edge you want in a young defender. He reminds me of a young Nemanja Vidić — all heart, no fear.

Top Tip: Pair him with a quicker partner in a high line. He’s not rapid, but his anticipation makes up for it. Give him regular football and he’ll surprise you.

2. Riccardo Stivanello (CB, Bologna)

Stivanello rarely gets mentioned, but he’s consistent, composed on the ball, and dominates aerial duels. He’s a classic Italian defender who does the basics right. In a world of fancy ball-playing centre-backs, he’s refreshingly old-school.

Why He’s Underrated: He doesn’t have insane potential on paper, but his in-game development is excellent if you give him regular minutes. Rotate him in cup games or lower-stakes matches — he’ll grow steadily.

READ ALSO: Football Manager 2024 Wonderkids - Updated Shortlist

3. Tom Bischof (CM, Hoffenheim)

This lad is a technician. He glides across the pitch with the elegance of a seasoned playmaker. He thrives in tight spaces, controls the tempo, and delivers killer passes. Reminds me of David Silva in his prime.

Watch For: His composure and vision. He’s perfect for slower, possession-based tactics. Let him pull the strings — he’s not a destroyer, he’s your metronome.

4. Noah Mbamba (DM/CB, Bayer Leverkusen)

Can play as a ball-winning midfielder or drop into a back three. What makes Noah stand out is his versatility and natural physicality. He’s a disruptor with a calm head. One minute he's intercepting passes, the next he’s starting attacks.

Pro Tip: Train him as a Libero and he becomes a real Swiss army knife. He’s the type of player who makes tactical flexibility a reality.

READ ALSO: How to Develop a Top-Tier Youth System in Football Manager

5. Valentín Barco (LB/LM, Brighton)

Underappreciated in FM24 despite being one of the most modern full-backs you’ll find. He’s agile, creative, and loves to bomb forward — a constant outlet on the flank. He’s the kind of player who gives your side width and flair without sacrificing defensive responsibility.

Fun Fact: Put him on set-pieces and watch those assist numbers climb. And don’t be afraid to use him higher up the pitch — he’s more than just a defender.

6. Ardon Jashari (CM, Luzern)

An all-action midfielder who does the dirty work but still contributes going forward. He’s got great energy, makes smart runs, and isn’t afraid of a challenge. Think of him as the heartbeat of your midfield.

Warning: His aggression can lead to a few yellow cards — set his tackling to "easy" if you’re managing a tight game. He’s one of those players you want on your side — and hate to play against.

READ ALSO: Top Methods to Easily Find Wonderkids in Football Manager

7. Luka Romero (AMR/AMC, AC Milan)

Often dismissed because of his journeyman path, but Romero is a flair player through and through. He’s got quick feet, thrives in one-on-ones, and loves to cut inside. He brings chaos to defences — and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

Advice: Don’t loan him out straight away. Give him minutes in cup matches and watch his confidence soar. He’s got the personality to become a fan favourite.

8. Alan Velasco (AML/AMC, FC Dallas)

He’s electric. Low centre of gravity, explosive turns, and unpredictable in the final third. He can beat a man and deliver a killer ball with ease. He brings that South American flair your attack might be missing.

Use Case: Perfect as an inverted winger or shadow striker in counter-attacking setups. He thrives on chaos — let him run at tired defences and he’ll shine.

READ ALSO: 30 Cheap Wonderkids Under £5M in FM24

  

9. Jovan Milošević (ST, VfB Stuttgart)

Tall, strong, and surprisingly elegant on the ball. He’s a real handful for defenders and excels at holding up play while others make runs around him. There’s a touch of Zlatan about him — physically dominant but technically clever.

Try This: Use him as a Target Forward (Support) with inside forwards cutting in. He’ll link play beautifully and rack up assists as well as goals.

10. Ben Doak (RW, Liverpool)

An explosive winger with bags of potential. He’s rapid, fearless, and always wants to take his man on. Brilliant as a game-changer off the bench or starting against tired full-backs.

Underrated How? He’s rarely picked up by AI managers and develops incredibly with just a few key mentoring sessions. Build his confidence and he’ll terrorise defenders for seasons.

READ NEXT: Top 10 Wonderkids You Must Sign in FM24

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to get tunnel vision in FM24 and go for the same names everyone’s buzzing about. But that’s not where the magic is. The real satisfaction? Spotting a rough gem, polishing him over seasons, and turning him into a world-beater.

There’s something deeply rewarding about taking a punt on an unknown, seeing them struggle early on, and then watching them lift trophies years later — all because you believed in them. That’s the Football Manager experience at its finest.

Hopefully, this guide gives you a few ideas for your next save. Try one or two of these lads and see where it takes your squad. Have you already used any of these underrated wonderkids? Or do you have your own hidden gems?