Left Back can be a hard position to fill in football, which makes promising young players in the position an extremely valuable commodity. Realism seems to be a real priority inEA Sports FC 24, which makesthe players you sign all the more important.
Though not the most glamorous position in the game, left backs can be devastatingly effective at overlapping or underlapping runs, helping you to overload the opposition’s defence. Whether you’re looking for a creative wing back or a sturdy defensive full back, here are the youngsters who shouldn’t be left back in the changing room.
74
84
Ideal attacking wing-back
One of the many Spanish players Real Madrid’s academy La Fábrica has generated is Miguel Gutiérrez, now a 21-year-old playing for Girona in Spain’s top division. The young Spaniard has all the ideal traits of an attacking wing-back, with extremely promising attributes in pace, dribbling, and crossing, alongside serviceable defensive abilities.
Gutiérrez begins the game with an overall rating of 74, and the potential to reach around 84. With a starting value of £7.7M and a weekly wage of £13K, Girona’s no.3 isn’t going to break the bank of most top-flight European teams and offers a capable attacking threat suited to teams who play with wing-backs.
75
85
High potential in-game
Bournemouth’s new number 3 is only 19 years old but has clearly impressed at his new club, starting consistently in the Premier League this season. Also an international with caps in the double-digits for his native Hungary, the excitement around Kerkez is reflected by his potential in-game, where he can reach up to 85 from a starting 75 overall rating.
The young Hungarian’s stamina is chief among his strengths, and he impresses with his movement and aggression, which help make the diminutive defender a real handful for the opposition. Though his starting value is only £9.8m, and his £17k weekly wage is thoroughly manageable, you’ll have to wait a season to sign him to coax him from the Cherries.
68
83
Inexpensive but great defensive cover
18-year-old Jeanuël Belocian joined Rennes’ academy in 2020 and made his senior debut for the club only a year later. With nine appearances across all competitions for the French top-flight side, Belocian is a sturdy young defender with heaps of potential. The French youth international is adept across the defensive line and offers great defensive cover to any smaller-budget side.
With a starting overall rating of 68, Belocian can grow into an elite defender with an 83 rating, a great return for a player who can cost as little as £2.3m. With size, strength, speed, and defensive ability, this graduate of France’s foremost youth academy is an excellent option for players who want a defensive left back with skill on and off the ball.
71
High movement, defending, and mentality
Another youngster fresh from academy football is Valentín Barco, an Argentine playing in his native league for the famous Boca Juniors. A well-rounded player despite his age and stature, this 19-year-old was part of the squad that hosted the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2023, where he started three of their four matches.
Though strength is a notable shortcoming for Barco, his attributes in movement, defending, and mentality do more than compensate, making the 71 rated a bargain at only £3.6M. With a negligible wage and the potential to reach an 84 overall rating, you’d best rush to sign Valentín Barco before Manchester City starts getting ideas.
73
Low cost with high potential
Playing for Club Brugge, this 20-year-old Dutch defender is already a force to be reckoned with. Standing at 6’3” with 87 strength, Meijer is a titan who can bully opposition attackers, whilst his skill and movement on the ball also provide a creative threat. With an overall rating of 73 and the potential to reach 85, Meijer is a valuable asset available for a low price.
With a value of £6M, a £10k weekly wage, and a £10.1m release clause, Meijer is an excellent option for managers looking to build a youthful team with bags of potential. The young Dutchman’s crossing ability is equaled by his excellent jumping and heading, so whether he’s taking your corners or attacking them, he’ll provide a constant set-piece threat.
87
Great pace and acceleration
Another young Dutch defender with a high ceiling is Jorrel Hato, a 17-year-old who recently became Ajax’s third youngest debutant, beaten only by Liverpool signing Ryan Gravenberch and legendary midfielder Clarence Seedorf. EA Sports FC 24 marks only his second appearance in the series, but the academy player has already been awarded the number 4 shirt by the club.
Hato is equally competent as a left-sided centre back or at left back, where his pace and acceleration will quickly become apparent. Standing at 6’0” with a strong jumping attribute, the young Dutchman is mercurial in the air and offers excellent defensive cover from set pieces. Beginning the game with a 68 overall, Hato’s potential 87 rating makes his price tag of £2.4m an absolute steal.
77
Attack and defense proficient
Newly signed to Fiorentina, 22-year-old Fabiano Parisi is looking to leave his mark on football’s foremost purple-wearing club. Though you’ll have to wait a season before signing the Benevento academy graduate, Viola’s new number 65 can eventually be tempted elsewhere, though you may be forced to pay his lofty release clause of £36.3m.
For your investment, you’ll get a player who has likely already improved on his starting overall rating of 77 and can reach a world-beating 87 potential. Parisi’s excellent attributes in both attack and defense make him best suited to a wing-back role, though he’ll slot in comfortably just about anywhere on the field.
86
Excellent pace and dribbling
Italian youth international Destiny Udogie has made waves since debuting for Tottenham this season, immediately excelling at the top level despite being just 20 years of age. Udogie isn’t a new signing, as Spurs immediately re-loaned him to Udinese after signing him in 2022, meaning that the talented left back can be poached without delay.
Beginning the game with an overall rating of 77, Udogie’s excellent start to the season will undoubtedly see him receive a rating boost, possibly adding to his already impressive potential of 86. Attempting to pry Udogie from Postecoglou’s grasp may prove difficult without paying his £39.3m release clause, but the young defender’s pace and dribbling ability make this signing a no-brainer for any side that can afford him.
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.
