Rising Stars: A Starting XI of the Best Youngsters to Sign on FIFA 18 Career Mode
Following the highly-anticipated recent release of FIFA's latest edition, fans of the game's 'Career Mode' (myself included) have been eager to get their teeth into a lengthy managerial journey and develop some of the game's brightest youngsters into fearless world beaters.
Of course, there are countless players capable of developing into decent players as the virtual years go on, but we have narrowed them down to the best eleven that you could sign to propel your side to FIFA glory.
Let's take a look...
1. Gianluigi Donnarumma - Goalkeeper
Age: 18
Current Rating: 82
Potential: 94
Value: €28.5m
Wage: €35k
Release Clause: €54.2m
The Italian international begins the game with an already ridiculous 82 rating for an 18-year-old keeper, and has the potential to reach an even crazier 94 rating, making him the best young player to buy on the game alongside Kylian Mbappe.
Donnarumma can be bought in the first window for around €30m, a decision that would be regarded as a wise one given the fact his price will soar should you let him develop elsewhere.
2. Malang Sarr - Centre Back
Age: 18
Current Overall: 75
Potential: 88
Value: €10.5m
Wage: €14k
Release Clause: €26.5m
The Nice academy graduate is a shrewd career mode investment, valued at just €10.5m to begin with, as well as his virtual contract containing a €26.5m release clause if his club become difficult to negotiate with.
At just 18 years of age, the Frenchman stands at 6' 0" and is a commanding presence at the back, whilst continuing to develop into an 88 rated defender if you give him the nurturing he requires.
3. Matthijs de Ligt - Centre Back
Age: 18
Current Rating: 76
Potential: 89
Value: €11.5m
Wage: €7k
Release Clause: €23.3m
The 18-year-old Dutchman has emerged from obscurity in recent years to become one of the best defensive prospects in Europe, and FIFA have certainly caught on to his abilities.
Ajax's academy graduate, like Sarr, is a wise investment given his low value and €23.3m release clause, and develops into one of the best defenders in the game. His massive 89 potential rating should leave you with no doubts when deciding to sign him or not.
4. Aymeric Laporte - Centre Back
Age: 23
Current rating: 84
Potential: 89
Value: €35.5m
Wage: €36k
Release Clause: €77.2m
Laporte has been playing at a consistently high level for many years now that it is hard to believe he can still be regarded as a young prospect, but that is exactly what he is.
You would be best off negotiating with Athletic Bilbao for his services due to his lofty €77.2m release clause, but the Spanish side usually accept around €35m for the Frenchman.
If your club of choice possesses those funds, you should undoubtedly move to sign the 23-year-old, such is his imperious presence in the defence.
5. Leroy Sane - Left Wing
Age: 21
Current Rating: 82
Potential: 91
Value: €34.5m
Wage: €125k
Release Clause: €70.7m
Like Laporte, Sane has been operating at such a high level for many years with Schalke and City that it is hard to believe he is just 21, but you should never look a gift horse in the mouth.
The German begins the game at an impressive 82 rating and can reach a classy 91 rating, but his services should only be sought after if you are managing a wealthy outfit as a result of his €35m valuation.
If affordable, Sane should be your man of choice for either wing, no questions asked.
6. Dele Alli - Centre Midfield
Age: 21
Current Overall: 84
Potential: 90
Value: €43m
Wage: €115k
Release Clause: €90.3m
The former MK Dons man once again finds himself as one of career mode's most coveted assets, should you be able to afford him that is.
Tottenham's goalscoring midfielder plays like a modern day Frank Lampard in game, arriving late into the box to get on the end of many a move and finish expertly.
A massive potential rating of 90 makes him a must have, although he must be snapped up early if you don't want to see his €43m value increase heavily.
7. Marco Asensio - Centre Midfield
Age: 21
Current Rating: 84
Potential: 92
Value: €46m
Wage: €175k
Release Clause: €103.5m
Real Madrid's boy wonder Marco Asensio has the highest starting rating overall of any player on this list, and is admittedly a luxury player who commands a massive price tag.
If you can afford his €46m valuation, the 21-year-old needs to be signed into your next generation of stars before his price becomes almost astronomical, as he has been known to go for around €150m in just the second season.
8. Ousmane Dembele - Right Wing
Age: 20
Current Rating: 83
Potential: 92
Value: €40m
Wage: €150k
Release Clause: €90m
The second most expensive player in world football in reality, Dembele can be a uniquely valuable asset on career mode due to his 5* skills making him an unpredictable threat on both wings.
If you can sign him before he renews his Barcelona contract, his current €90m release clause looks too good an investment to turn down given the fact that figure will most likely double within a few years.
9. Marcus Rashford - Left Forward
Age: 19
Current Rating: 81
Potential: 91
Value: €26.5m
Wage: €74k
Release Clause: €54.3m
Manchester United's local pride is a must have for your career mode side, and if you can't afford him, you better save up.
Rashford's agility and balance stats, compared with his raw pace, makes him one of the best forwards in the game and almost impossible to defend against.
His 91 potential makes him the third best developing forward in career mode and a must have player.
10. Gabriel Jesus - Centre Forward
Age: 20
Current Rating: 81
Potential: 92
Value: €31m
Wage: €115k
Release Clause: €63.6m
Manchester City's Brazilian starlet is hands down the best and most exciting youngster to buy in career mode, as his aggressive strength and close dribbling make it near impossible to get the ball off him.
In addition to this, he is deadly in front of goal and is well worth his lofty valuation if you can afford it. Players should deploy him as a false nine to get the best of him, due to his close control and ability to link the midfield to attack.
11. Kylian Mbappe - Right Forward
Age: 18
Current Rating: 83
Potential: 94
Value: €41.5m
Wage: €31k
Release Clause: N/A
The joint highest developing youngster along with the aforementioned Donnarumma, Mbappe is without doubt the most highly anticipated young player that fans of the game were looking to play with.
The fact he can reach a 94 overall, possibly higher, puts him on par with peak Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, and you would be wise to acquire him as soon as possible before his price soars.
Rather annoyingly, he spends the first season on loan meaning he is unavailable for transfer, but is attainable from the 2018/19 season onwards.