In these dire times, football fans need something to keep them going. FIFA scratches an itch but it doesn’t fill the void. However, you can always rely on Football Manager.
For the past week and a bit, the 2020 iteration of the game has been free to play. Many will have taken full advantage of this but, despite the global lockdown, not all people have the time to unearth the gems in the game.
Fortunately, however, we do. And we’ve put together a list of wonderkids you’re going to want to look at. First up, the goalkeepers.
Often an overlooked area when piecing together a team, John Terry once claimed Petr Čech saved Chelsea 12 to 15 points a season. If you’re going to win anything, you need a reliable shot-stopper between the sticks.
With this in mind, we’ve identified four keepers you can sign who have the potential to be your number one for the next 15 years.
Gianluigi Donnarumma
It’s easy to forget the Milan stopper is still only 20 when the game is loaded up. It feels like he’s been around for an eternity and, well, he sort of has. Donnarumma has already made more than 150 appearances for the Rossoneri and has the potential to be the best goalkeeper in the game.
But Milan aren’t going to part ways with him on the cheap. You can expect to pay his valuation, at least, although you can spread the payments out.
Fast forward five years into the game and it is safe to say the Italy international lived up to the hype. You’re going to have to break the bank to sign him but, if you have the money, he’s definitely worth every penny.
Wuilker Fariñez
Already linked with a move to the Premier League as well as Benfica and Barcelona, the 22-year-old Venezuela international is one of the most sought-after players in the world today. Despite this, he’s still turning out for Colombian side Millonarios.
If you act quickly, you can sign him for around £3million. You have to appeal for a work permit but he is eventually granted one. He’s the perfect Moneyball signing for a team looking to make a profit on players.
If you’re in it for the long haul, however, he’s a reliable enough stopper to perform for the very best teams in those high-pressure situations.
Andriy Lunin
A firm Football Manager favourite, Lunin has been on the radar of most amateur managers for a long time now. Real Madrid snapped him up in real life in 2018, paying £7million to secure his services.
He’s been on loan on multiple occasions and he’s away from the Santiago Bernabéu when you load up the game, currently at Real Oviedo. You can loan the Ukrainian youngster for the 2020/21 season and add in a clause to sign him, usually for around £15million.
Carefully manage his training and give him plenty of playing time and fulfils his potential.
Marcus Dewhurst
Sheffield United has been the place for young goalkeepers in recent times. Dean Henderson has thrived on loan at Bramall Lane over the last two seasons while current Bournemouth No.1 Aaron Ramsdale was developed by the Blades.
Dewhurst is the definition of a long-term project. The 19-year-old starts Football Manager 2020 on loan at League Two side Carlisle United and needs to be carefully managed. He needs to be nurtured.
To convince the Blades to part with their prized asset, you need to part with north of £20million. But if you have the money and patience, Dewhurst is the best English goalkeeper in the game, and he could be part of your starting XI for well over a decade.
