EA Sports FC 24is a game that hopes to improve on the tactical accuracy of its predecessors, where speed was by far the most important attribute for years. Buying the correct players will ensure your success, bringing the game closer to a management sim.
As a result, it seems more important than ever to invest your transfer budget wisely, sending scouts to find players who’ll fit your vision, be it a Vertical Tiki-Taka or the good old-fashioned Long Ball approach. Whether you’re a tactical wunderkind or a Career Mode casual, these young central midfielders should definitely be on your scouts’ radar.
75
88
Highly skilled and versatile
Paris Saint Germain prospect Warren Zaïre-Emery is already generating a lot of excitement in the French capital. EA Sports FC 24 marks his second appearance in the series of games, and this time, he begins with an unbelievable rating of 75. A capable all-rounder, Zaïre-Emery is a talented playmaker who can also be deployed as a ball-winning midfielder.
A hard-working midfielder with strengths in vision, long passing, slide tackling, and ball control, this French footballer is among the most sought-after in the game, with a potential rating of 88. If you wish to prise this prospective Platini from PSG, however, you may be forced to pay his £27.3m release clause.
77
85
Long and short passing
Though a slightly older option, Borussia Monchengladbach’s 22-year-old Kouadio Koné is nonetheless a worthwhile investment. Sitting at £20M value, with a weekly wage of £21K, the Frenchman’s fancy feet make him a smart signing for managers looking to dominate possession with Tiki-Taka tactics.
Standing at 6”1’, this towering talent’s overall begins at 77, making him at least a solid depth option for any top-flight team, and a potential overall rating of 85 means a definite return on your investment. Strengths in both long and short passing, 4-star skill moves, and solid defensive attributes make Koné a smart signing for savvy managers.
79
87
Skilled at attacking
An unlikely inclusion from the MLS, Atlanta’s Almada is an Argentinian attacking midfielder equally suited to a central midfield role. Valued at £33.6M, this acrobatic playmaker boasts a rapid sprint, excellent dribbling ability, and a clinical free-kick. The 22-year-old is on the older side but comes as a complete package with an overall rating of 79.
With four stars in both weak foot and skill moves, this two-footed trickster can offer enough attacking threat to counteract his defensive shortcomings. Best suited alongside a defensive midfielder, Almada is nonetheless a player who excels both at creating and converting chances. And, with a potential 87 overall, the Argentine can become a central part of your team for years.
74
86
Skilled with both feet
A young creative midfielder, 20-year-old Martin Baturina is one of Croatia’s top young talents. Playing for Dinamo Zagreb, the club that produced recent Manchester City signing Josko Gvardiol and worldwide superstar Luka Modric, Baturina seems destined to follow in their footsteps.
Starting the game with a modest 74 overall, the youngster can be signed for a mere £8.5M, with a wage of only £595. Capable with both feet and with particular talents in passing and movement, the Croat is well suited to flowing, stylish football, and his powerful strike could net you a few goals from outside the box. These attributes, combined with his potential 86 rating, make Baturina a smart get for any newly promoted Premier League team.
76
84
Great ball control
Alan Varela is another Argentine abroad, playing for Portuguese powerhouses FC Porto. The 21-year-old is a midfield marshal, perfect for cutting out counterattacks and starting attacks of your own. His defensive ability is complemented by his skill on the ball, too, with great composure, short passing, and ball control.
Varela starts with a 76 rating and also boasts good stamina and a high defensive work rate, meaning he’ll wreak havoc on your opponents for the full 90 minutes. Great for winning and retaining possession, every team can use an enforcer like Alan Varela, no matter your tactics. With 84 potential, the midfielder can also be used to great effect alongside his attack-minded compatriot Almada.
89
Strong in shooting, tackling, and positioning.
Young Spanish midfielder Gabriel Veiga is a hot prospect recently snapped up by Saudi club Al Ahli Jeddah from Celta Vigo. Veiga is one of the many players paid exorbitant fees to play in football’s newest league as the nation attempts to pay its way to global success. If you’re able to prise him from the club and his substantial £24k weekly wage, you’ll get a 79-rated goalscoring midfielder with a potential of 89.
Though Veiga has unusual pitfalls in volleys, aggression, and defensive awareness, they can be easily balanced by his strengths in shooting, tackling, and positioning or simply avoided by playing him in a more attacking role. Ball control and finishing are particular highlights of the young Spaniard’s game, and he can offer plenty of goals from late runs into the box.
72
Strong in stamina, vision, dribbling, and passing.
Royal Antwerp’s Arthur Vermeeren is a versatile defensive midfielder who offers an affordable alternative to many of this list’s other inclusions. Though he starts with a 72 rating, the young Belgian’s ceiling is by no means lower than his counterparts, and his potential sees him reach an 85 overall.
Holding the number 48 shirt at Antwerp, Vermeeren can be acquired for as little as £4.3m, with a release clause of £9m and a £5k weekly wage, making him another economical signing for anyone looking to take a club from rags to riches. With strengths in stamina, vision, dribbling, and passing, the Belgian offers the complete central midfield package.
Trivela expert
Italian youngster Fabio Miretti is one of many talents poached from smaller sides by powerhouses Juventus, and the Bianconeri academy graduate is now in his second season of senior football. With an overall rating of 75, Miretti warms the bench for Juve and may be possible to acquire without paying a release clause.
Should you find the Italian side unwilling to bargain, the young Italian will cost £26.7m, which his 88 potential will ensure a return on. Already a senior international with Italy, the 19-year-old multi-talented midfielder’stendency to trivelais one of the many skills in his locker, and his ability on the ball makes him an ideal fit for most philosophies, especially if possession-focused.
EA Sports FC 24
WHERE TO PLAY
EA Sports FC 24 is the latest in the long-running football series, and the first following EA’s decision to end the FIFA license. It features a raft of real national leagues, clubs, and players, HyperMotion V technology, and naturally, Ultimate Team.
