Specific roles on FM24 can be difficult to fill if you don’t have the right player. For me, one of those roles is the complete forward. Not every player has the attributes to fulfil the role.

Here are some examples of players who fulfil the criteria, some of which are obvious and some that are not:

Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)

The England international is a prime example of a player who can play as a complete forward because, quite simply, he can do everything, whether that’s providing assists, scoring goals or linking the play when he comes deep. There are few better examples of a complete forward on FM24.

The one caveat with Kane on FM24 is that he is hard to sign, as he has just joined Bayern, and his price tag is also likely to be massive.

Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

The Norwegian international sensation is a goal machine with all the attributes to fulfil the complete forward role and every other striking role in the game.

He will score, create, and be a key member of any team in world football. If used correctly, Haaland can easily score 50+ goals each season.

Once again, Haaland can often be difficult to sign due to his quality and high value unless you are managing Real Madrid. If you start the game as Manchester City, then using him as a complete forward may be an option, although he will score goals in every forward role.

Kylian Mbappe (PSG)

Like the two players above him on this list, the French international is regarded as one of the best forward players in the world. Your tactic is at fault if he is not scoring goals for you on FM24.

Although Mbappe often plays a left-sided attacker, he is equally adept at playing a more central role and will perfectly fulfil the complete forward role.

Of course, Mbappe is out of contract with PSG after 12 months of the season beginning in FM24. It is usually a struggle to sign the forward, though, as in my games, he usually ends up signing a pre-contract with Real Madrid or Manchester City.

Victor Osimhen (Napoli)

The Nigerian international’s reputation has grown in recent years after helping the Partenopei to their first title in 30 years in season 2022/23. With the team from Naples struggling in Serie A, he could move on to new pastures this summer.

Osimhen is a goal machine, and if you need somebody to fill the complete forward role, he may be your man. He can do everything as a forward.

Valued at over £100m, he may be difficult to sign in the first few seasons of FM24. However, if your tactic relies on using a complete forward, Osimhen may be worth the wait and his price tag.

Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig)

The Slovenian international was actually one of the examples I used in my explanation of each striking role on FM24, as he is one of my favourite forwards to sign.

When you begin the game, Sesko is just 20 years old. However, like most young players, he matures, his stats improve, and he becomes one of the best strikers in the game.

One of the best ways to use his ability is as a complete forward, especially when he reaches his mid-20s. Like the other players on our list, he won’t let you down, and he is also slightly easier to sign when you are not one of the elite clubs in the world game.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton)

Some readers may laugh when I talk about DCL as one of the best complete forwards because of his real-life struggles for goals.

However, Calvert-Lewin tends to be a goal machine on FM24 for some reason. I have used him in many personal saves and tactic-testing saves, and he very rarely scores less than 20+ goals in a season.

If you give him the service as a complete forward, he will undoubtedly do an excellent job for you in the role.

There is also the fact that he tends to leave Everton in the summer of 2024, usually for a fee between £60-80m. The England international is well worth that money.

Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen)

Osimhen’s international teammate with Nigeria, Boniface, at 22, is a young forward who only gets better with age. He played a crucial role in Bayer’s early season stellar form in real life before, unfortunately, picking up an injury.

On FM24, one of his ideal roles is as a complete forward. Like Calvert-Lewin, he can provide a slightly more realistic and cheaper option than the likes of Kane, Haaland, and Mbappe when looking for a complete forward.

Who is your favourite complete forward on FM24?

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?

If you’re looking to improve your FM24 then you’re in the right place as we have a great selection of Irish players that you can add to your team to better your results.

A good player, or being the best player is hard to define because it changes depending on your budget and the specific positions you need to fill. Still, there are plenty of players in different price brackets with potentials that will hopefully match.

It’s always worth researching these players further on FM24 to view their profiles and stats to ensure they’re the perfect match for your team and fit in amongst the other players and the previously filled positions.

Up-and-coming stars

Wonderkids come at a high price but are packed with potential! The drawback of these up-and-coming young players is they are exactly that: young and less experienced so can be less predictable when it comes to their future or if they’re prepared for such a high level of professional football. As seen with offerings from the leading football bookmakers in Ireland, they don’t always attract the best odds due to their unpredictability.

Nonetheless, the players are valuable and will be great additions to your team.

Keeping an eye on these players is a great way forward as they are only going to improve, if you don’t want to invest in them this season, there’s always next season but be careful because their cost may have doubled by then!

• Gavin Bazunu – Playing for Championship side Southampton and the Republic of Ireland national team as their goalkeeper, Bazunu is valued at £19 million at the young age of 22 and is a very promising player with his incredible reflexes and aerial ability.
• Andrew Omobamidele – Omobamidele plays as a defender for Premier League Nottingham Forest and the Republic of Ireland national team. His speed and strength add to his value which stands at £18 million and if you require a defensive player, he’s worth checking out.
• Evan Ferguson – At 18, Ferguson is already valued at an incredible £80 while playing for Brighton on the south coast. He is a striker and with his work ethic, he’s sure to go further and further, clearly aiming for stardom. One of the most impressive wonderkids at such a young age and high price but it’s sure to pay off.
• Festy Ebosele – Ebosele plays for the Italian side Udinese and the Republic of Ireland national team at the age of 21 and has plenty of room for improvement. He’s already rumoured to be in pursuit from some larger teams such as Tottenham and West Ham showing his value to them (currently at about 8 million) and the value he can bring to you.

Secure deals

If you’re looking for some players to boost the team but don’t have much cash in your pocket then there are many players with lower but still good potential for a lower price – they are established players rather than up-and-coming young stars which means they have more experience to offer.

• John Egan – Egan plays for the national team as well as playing centre-back for Sheffield United and is an easy choice with his experience and a nice price tag of £5 million, he’s more affordable than previous players. He’s separated from the crowd due to his aerial presence and leadership skills.
• James McClean – Valued at £3 million whilst playing for promotion chasers Wrexham he offers a generally good ability across the board with good versatility and good crossing ability, he’s a secure investment.
• Robbie Brady – Brady plays for Preston North End and can offer an experienced playing style and can play left-wing/midfielder. He is valued at £2 million which would be a great deal for a player of this experience as he started at Manchester United.

Absolute bargains

Sometimes you’ll see a player valued for so little and it’s confusing when paired with their experience or skill set but in FM24, this just allows you more bargains which are always welcome when working with a dwindling budget.

• Callum O’Dowda – O’Dowda has a variety of experience to offer, having been to multiple different teams but he currently plays for Cardiff City and is valued at around £1 million. Despite the price, you’ll be getting a solid player with dribbling, crossing, and pace.
• Sinclair Armstrong – At only 20, Armstrong plays for QPR and is valued at about £700k but offers much more than you’d think at this price. Due to his age, there’s plenty of room and time for growth and development and whilst he already offers good physicality and pace he can become so much more if optimised correctly.

This is by no means a complete list of all valuable Irish players for you to invest in on FM24 but it’s certainly a beginning to start exploring the Irish market. The player that you want for your team will depend on what state your team is in and whether you have the budget to buy players such as Evan Ferguson, you might prefer to buy a few cheaper players over one expensive one.

However, before you purchase any of these players, it’s worth checking them out for yourself and seeing whether you think they will fit with your other players.

As we have covered the best budget players in each position on FM24 in recent weeks, we thought we would look at the best budget midfielders in today’s article.

We have decided to omit some wonderkids, as I believe we have covered those in previous articles. Here are our favourite midfield bargains in FM24:

Bryan Heynen (Genk)

We start our list with a Belgian midfielder, who, though unlikely to thrill, is a hard-working and highly consistent performer in the centre of the park.

The 26-year-old is a defensive-minded midfielder with decent work rate, passing, bravery, determination and vision stats.

For example, Heynen is a good player for mid-lower-level teams in the Premier League. However, he might be able to do a job as a squad player at teams higher up the table.

On my saves, I have bought him for as little as £6m, which for a player of his quality is an absolute steal. He isn’t likely to cost you a fortune in wages, either.

Renato Sanches (Roma)

The Portuguese international was once regarded as one of the brightest young midfielders in the world game. However, his career has not entirely panned out in the way anybody would have wanted it to.

Still only 25 years of age, Sanches is still relatively young. His stats are impressive, too, as he has 16 for technique, work rate, bravery and stamina.

The fact that he can play virtually anywhere in midfield and all the attacking midfield roles makes him an even better prospect.

The best part of Sanches is that his club will accept a fee of less than £9m for his services, which is ridiculous for a player of his ability.

The only sticking point for Sanches if you are a mid-to-lower Premier League team is that he takes some persuading to join your club. His wages are also quite high. However, Sanches can be a standout player if deployed in the right position.

Mario Pasalic (Atalanta)

The Croatian international has been an excellent servant to Atalanta in recent years. Now 28, the former Chelsea player is in the prime of his career.

Pasalic is an attack-minded midfielder who can play any central midfield role. His stats point to a technically gifted player, as he has good stats when it comes to technique, passing, first touch, long shots, off the ball and teamwork.

Pasalic has been available for less than £10m in my previous games. Once again, like any self-respecting quality player, he takes some persuading to join a club that is not at an elite level. However, by Premier League standards, his wages are not massive.

Maxence Caqueret (Lyon)

The French midfielder is another diamond in the rough when it comes to midfielders. At 23, he is a good age and has not yet even finished developing as a player.

The OL star is a player who can do a bit of everything in all the central midfield positions, from defensive midfielder to attacking midfielder.

He has good stats in technique, work rate, passing, marking, determination and teamwork, to name just a few. He is an excellent all-around midfielder.

To make him even more enticing, Caqueret can be signed for around £9m, which is a fee well worth paying for a player of his talents.

Like the other players on this list, he is dubious about joining a mid-low-level team in the equivalent of the Premier League. However, he will discuss terms, and his weekly wages are usually around £80,000.

Wendel (Zenit)

The 25-year-old is a player I seem to always sign in the early seasons of the game, as he usually represents good value for money.

Wendel is just a solid all-around central midfield option who is highly versatile, as he can not only play in all the central midfield positions but is also competent at playing out on the left flank.

He is an attack-minded player, with 16 passing, 15 technique, and 14 long shots. However, he does also have a rating of 15 for teamwork, so he isn’t going to neglect the defensive side of the game completely.

Wendel usually costs £8-12m, depending on what add-ons Zenit decides to tag onto the deal.

He can be pretty demanding in his signing on promises, but once you come to an agreement there, his wages are usually around £60,000 per week, which once again isn’t big money by Premier League going rates.

Who are the best budget midfielders you have signed in FM24? Let us know via our socials.

Recently, we covered the best bargain goalkeepers in FM24. In this article, I will look at the players in front of the last line of defence as we look at some bargain defenders. Here are some of our favourite bargain defenders:

Oumar Solet (RB Salzburg)

The versatile 23-year-old Frenchman has been one of my go-to players when I have wanted to add quality to my backline without breaking the bank.

Solet can play as a defensive midfielder as well as a centre-back and can usually be bought for less than £10m. The money is usually well spent, as he proves to be a solid performer.

The fact that he is not just a stopper is a bonus, as he has a rating of 13 for his technique, 14 passing and even 13 flair. However, the defender’s bread and butter stats of work rate is 15 and also, of course, tackling 13.

Unfortunately, he generally doesn’t reach the same heights as he has done in previous editions of the game, as he never quite becomes an elite star. However, for his price, he is still a great signing.

Tormena (Sporting Braga)

The Brazilian defender recently moved to Russian outfit Krasnodar from Sporting Braga, so he may not be as easy to sign as he used to be. However, he can still be picked up for less than £7m.

For that, you get a solid centre-back who can also cover the right-back position. Tormena has a rating of 15 for heading, passing, bravery and positioning. He also has a good pace rating of 15, while his acceleration is 13.

Surprisingly, his tackling is only rated 11, which is not a major disaster as that can be worked on in training. At 27, he is at the peak of his career and will serve you well for a decent period of time.

Valentin Gomez (Velez Sarsfield)

For me, Valentin Gomez is one of my favourite players to sign in the first few seasons of my saves. The 20-year-old Velez Sarsfield star can be signed for a fee of around £5m, which is not a massive fee for a promising young centre-back and left-back.

For that fee, you get a strong, young defender who only gets better with experience and is a player who can serve your team well for a decade at the highest level of the game.

He is not the best technically, although his rating of 12 technique is not the worst in the world, his all-around starting stats make him a no-brainer signing if you are looking for a versatile young defender who will prove to be a significant asset in the present and the future.

As with most young players, as he develops, he also becomes more valuable and can be sold at a big profit, which is always a good option if your club is in need of a financial boost.

Sebastian Boselli (River Plate)

The 19-year-old is one of the most promising young defenders in the game. He can play as a centre-back or right-back, and his starting stats are highly promising.

The highlights of his starter stats are 16 tackling, 15 heading and natural fitness 16. His other stats are solid and only improve with more experience. The fact that he is strong on both feet contributes to the fact that he can also play as a left-back.

One downside to Boselli is that he has only recently moved from Defensor Sporting to Argentinian giants River Plate. The move raises his price to around £15m. If he is developed properly, though, it can be money well spent, as he is a young player who only gets better.

Stefano Sabelli (Genoa)

Unlike the likes of Gomez and Boselli, Sabelli is a more experienced player at 30, so he is not a long-term prospect. However, the former Italy under-21 international can be an excellent signing in the short term.

Not only can Sabelli play as a right-back, which is his primary position, but he can also play as a right-side midfielder. The fact that he can cover both positions is a bonus, as is the fact that he has a reasonable left foot to go with a very strong right foot.

As you would expect for most defenders, he has high defensive stats such as tackling and marking, which are rated 14. However, Sabelli’s crossing rating is 14, and his work rate is 15, which, coupled with decent pace and acceleration, makes the Italian the complete package.

Sabelli can usually be picked up for around £5m, which is a bargain for a player who is likely to be a beneficial asset to your team, even if only for a few seasons.

Who is your favourite bargain defender on FM24?

When you are building a team on FM24, having capable players in all positions is a must.

While bringing in a goalkeeper may not be at the top of some people’s priority list, signing a solid last line of defence can be the difference between success and failure.

Therefore, it is nice when you can sign a reliable goalkeeper who doesn’t cost the earth. Today, we will look at some good goalkeepers who fit into the bargain category.

One player we excluded is former Manchester United star David De Gea, who we have covered in a separate article.

Sergio Asenjo (Free Agent)

I remember the Spaniard being one of the first players I would sign in past editions of FM, but that was when he was an up-and-coming young goalkeeper, which was a while ago.

He is now 34 years of age but is still a really solid signing. A bonus is that he is a free agent after leaving Real Valladolid in September.

The veteran’s stats are still strong, as he has 15 for handling, reflexes, communication, composure and concentration. These are all good attributes to have in a goalkeeper.

Alessio Cragno (Monza, on loan at Sassuolo)

The Italian international has some solid stats and is valued between £200k and £2m. The problem in the first season is the minor issue of him being out on loan at Sassuolo from Monza.

However, Cragno is still only 29, so he has plenty of football left in him yet, so signing him in the second season as a first choice if you are a smaller club or a reliable backup if you are a bigger club is still a good option.

His attributes include being rated 16 for his reflexes and 15 for handling, positioning and command of his area. Cragno is the sort of solid player who may not be a glamorous signing but who will quietly prove his worth.

Patrik Carlgren (Randers FC)

The Swedish goalkeeper is not a goalkeeper I have used on FM, but I have seen other people talk about the 31-year-old being a bargain signing.

Looking on FM24, he can be picked up for less than £2m, which could offer good value, judging by his stats.

The highlights of his game are a rating of 16 in one-on-ones and rushing out. This makes the goalkeeper a very handy sweeper keeper if your team plays a high defensive line.

However, he also has 15 in the two main areas for a goalkeeper handling and reflexes.

Carlgren is not likely to be a great signing if you are a massive club, although he would provide a decent backup.

However, if you are a team lower down the pecking order, the Swede could prove to be a great signing.

Juan Carlos (Girona)

At 35, the Girona stopper is in the twilight for a footballer. However, as we all know, goalkeepers tend to have longer careers than their outfield counterparts.

With that in mind, Juan Carlos could prove to be a bargain at under £1.5m.

His two best attributes are the goalkeeper’s bread and butter, handling and reflexes, of which he has ratings of 15 and 16, respectively.

Like many of the players on this list, he is unlikely to be your first choice if you are managing an elite-level club.

However, if you are a team fighting relegation in one of Europe’s top leagues, then Juan Carlos is not a terrible player to have at your disposal.

Shuichi Gonda (Shimizu S-Pulse)

The Japanese international is another goalkeeper who could serve you well for a fee that won’t break the bank.

He starts the game in his homeland with Shimizu S-Pulse. However, he can be signed for a fee of below £500,000, which could prove to be an absolute bargain.

As with all the goalkeepers on our list, the main attributes of his game are strong in the appropriate areas. He has ratings of 16 for reflexes and 15 for handling.

Leandro Chichizola (Parma)

The 33-year-old Argentinian stopper is at Parma at the start of the game but can be signed for around £1m.

Finding a reliable goalkeeper can be difficult. However, Chichizola could well prove to be just what you are searching for.

His handling rating is 15, with reflexes of 16. He also has 14 in command of the area and one-on-ones, which is decent by most goalkeeper standards.

For me, Chichizola would be the sort of signing you would make if you are challenging for promotion in a second-tier European league. He is an excellent short-term option, for sure.

Who is your favourite goalkeeper from our list?