Young players burst onto the football scene every season and become hot prospects. As SI cannot predict the future, but who can eh? these players’ abilities don’t always reflect their new-found status, well, not unless you download an external database, anyway.
Here are some players who have grown in stature in season 2023/24 and are likely to see a boost to their current and potential attributes in FM25.
(Please note my database is an updated one, so the players stats may have already been altered)
Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton)
As an Everton fan, I have witnessed first-hand the centre-back blossoming into arguably one of the best young defenders in the European game this season. Except for a few games at the start of the season, the Carlisle-born star has been an ever-present for the Toffees and a rare shining light in a difficult campaign.
At 21, he has all the attributes to become a truly world-class player in the future. Unfortunately for Everton, their financial situation may well see the youngster depart in the summer.
Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)
The 18-year-old United youth academy product came into the Red Devils team at the end of December and has been excellent in the centre of the park for the men from Manchester.
Mainoo’s most significant attribute seems to be his composure. He plays like a player with far more experience yet with the fearlessness of youth on his side.
The youngster has done enough in his 14 Premier League appearances to earn his maiden call-up to the England national team.
This summer’s European Championship may come too soon for the midfielder, but if he continues in his current vein, then it won’t be long until he graces the Three Lions team on a regular basis.
Conor Bradley (Liverpool)
The young Northern Irish full-back may not have made many appearances for the Reds, but when he has, he has been highly impressive in the absence of first-choice fellow youth product Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The 20-year-old, who shone on loan at Bolton last season, can also play further up the pitch on the right, which is obviously a good option for Liverpool to have in the future.
Like the other young players on the list, Bradley hasn’t looked out of place playing first-team football. He signed a contract extension with Liverpool at the end of 2023.
Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona)
It is incredible to think that Cubarsi is just 17 years of age. Barcelona head coach Xavi decided he was good enough to make his debut at just 16 earlier this season.
Since his debut, the youngster has proven himself to be a player who is not overawed by playing in the reigning champions’ first team. His maturity seems far beyond that of a player barely out of his mid-teens.
Teammate Joao Cancelo recently compared the young centre-back to German defensive legend Franz Beckenbauer, which is highly praise for any defender.
When I load up my version of FM24, the defender is still in Barcelona’s Under-19 squad. However, having made a name for himself this season with ten appearances in La Liga, he will be in Barcelona’s first-team team next season on FM25.
Marc Guiu (Barcelona)
The 18-year-old forward is another La Masia graduate to break into the Barcelona first-team this season. Although he has made fewer appearances than some of his younger teammates, three in La Liga, he has undoubtedly made an impression on fans.
Guiu burst onto the first-team scene in October by scoring the winning goal against Athletic Club with his first touch of the ball in the senior game.
The striker also scored in the Champions League in December. With veteran Polish striker Robert Lewandowski his competition for a first-team football, it is no surprise that his first-team opportunities have been limited.
However, he will undoubtedly get further first-team opportunities in the near future.
Guiu is unusual for a La Masia graduate. He seems to be a physically strong forward who is also skilful. The Catalan club has been more adept at producing technically gifted players, but Guiu also seems to offer a physical presence.
Jobe Bellingham (Sunderland)
With big brother Jude starring at Real Madrid this season, it is easy to forget about Jobe. At just 18, Bellingham has been a regular in the Sunderland first-team, making 37 appearances for the north east team and scoring six goals in the Championship.
Bellingham is versatile and can play as a central striker, in central midfield, or even as a number ten. On my database, Bellingham starts the game in Sunderland’s under-18 team.
Given his exposure to first-team football this season, he will no doubt play a prominent role for the Black Cats in FM25, with his current and potential abilities boosted to more accurately reflect where he is in his development.
Who is your favourite player on our list?
