FM 24 hidden gems for your starting XI

With tomorrow seeing the full launch of the game, the FM 24 hidden gems we've found could give you a path to long-term success!

So with no further ado, here they are…

FM 24 hidden gems for your starting XI

Goalkeeper

Tim Rönning (Elfsborg)

This 24-year-old Swedish goalkeeper costs around €300k and will be a decent option for any team mid-table in most of the best leagues. He still can get better throughout your save and could – on some occasions – become an elite goalkeeper thanks to his exceptional jumping reach.

Tim Rönning in FM 24
A towering 201cm tall and a great controller of aerial actions, he is a sound option for anyone willing to play in England's lower leagues too.

Defenders

Right Back – Mitja Ilenic (Free Agent)

This 18-year-old RB has a very complete set of mental skills, and has everything needed to turn into a first XI regular a few years into your career. Surprisingly, Ilenic is a free agent at the start of your save and you will have to be fast to sign him before bigger clubs do!

Centre Back – Anderson Arroyo (FC Andorra)

Arroyo costs around €600k and has quite impressive physical stats. The defender from FC Andorra will bring you enough solidity for you not to worry about your central area. He can also play reasonably well as a fullback too, making him a useful asset when injuries kick in.

Centre Back – Jean Hugonet (Magdeburg)

The most expensive player from our list is Jean Hugonet. He costs around €1M but he is one of the best value defenders in the whole game.

He has fantastic stats that allow him to play both in central defence or as a midfielder. If that wasn't enough, he can still develop as he is only 23 years old.

Left Back – Diego Pampin (FC Andorra)

A bit more pricey than his FC Andorra colleague Arroyo, Diego Pampin will cost you around €700k. At  just 23 years old, he is definitely a player that can really grow at your club.

Diego Pampin in FM 24
Pampin is a polyvalent full back that can bring his qualities higher up the field too.

Midfielders

Defensive Midfielder – Xeka (Free Agent)

Xeka was a decent player for Lille, so it is a big surprise to see him as a Free Agent. Rumour has it that the Portuguese player could sign for Celta Vigo in real life, but he will be an option to join your club for free in Football Manager 24!

He will be an experienced option with quite interesting statistics in all areas needed for a defensive midfielder.

Central Midfielder – José Campaña (Free Agent)

Campaña is another Free Agent, having left Levante after seven years of service. He will be a pure maestro for your team, with fabulous passing and technique, bringing everything you would expect from a Spanish midfielder.

Attacking Midfielder – Alvaro Fidalgo (América)

With a price tag of around €500k, Alvaro Fidalgo is one of the biggest steals in this year's Football Manager. The Spanish attacking midfielder is thriving in Mexico, but can easily slot into any European league team if the setup is right.

Alvaro Fidalgo in FM 24

Attack/Wing

Striker – Divine Nwachukwu (Bendel Insurance)

The Nigerian striker costs around €600k, but has unreal statistics for a 20-year-old player. He has plenty of room to develop and become the next Victor Osimhen.

With amazing pace, finishing and heading, Nwachukwu keeps alive the tradition of having some overpowered and hero-worshipped Nigerian players in Football Manager lore, such as Taribo West (in the vintage 01/02 edition), along with Tijani Babangida and Emmanuel Amunike.

Right Winger – Alejandro Zendejas (América)

Alvaro Zendejas costs as low as €25k, but the American player is very interesting in every aspect. At just 165cm tall, he isn't the most physically imposing. But his crossing, his pace and vision will make him a great xG creator for your forward line.

Left Winger – Cristo (Arouca)

Cristo will cost you around €750k. He is a force in the real-life Primeira Liga, and has every chance of making his mark immediately with any title contender away from the big five European leagues.

Cristo in FM 24
Cristo's agility will be a massive addition and a problem to any opposing RB.

FM 24 latest information

The 20th and most complete edition to date, Football Manager 2024, is out November 6th on PC, Xbox and PS5.

Pre-purchase it before November 6th to enjoy 10% off and unlock Early Access on PC now. Football Manager 2024 will be available on Nintendo Switch & Mobiles on the very same day.

See also: How to get a 96% win rate in FM 24!


Paris-based Saraiva has combined his passions for sports, gaming and writing with Football Whispers.