The 2017 Experiment!

As you may know, a while ago I decided on the possibility of starting 'The 2017 Experiment!' I decided against starting it, due to the start of my Rubin Kazan save and exams, but now my story has got going and the exams are finished, I am going to start it now.

So what is The 2017 Experiment?

The 2017 Experiment is a way to find out how players change, develop, and succeed or fail on the game. I created a game save, started unemployed and went on holiday until 1st July 2017, the day I am currently on.

However, previously, with my knowledge of the game and with the help of alot of you on here, I compiled a list. A list of around 50 of the best wonderkids on Football Manager. I took a screenshot of each of them back in 2012, and will take one in 2017 seeing how they have grown while looking at what they have achieved.

After looking at the wonderkids, I plan to see successes of players who are world class now, and how teams have changed and what they've won. Once I've done the list of wonderkids already planned, you will be able to ask for screenshots of players you might have bought, or want to see how they turn out.

The Players

1. Ademilson
2. Adnan Januzaj
3. Adryan
4. Alex Sandro
5. Ander Herrera
6. Andreas Pereira
7. Angelo Henriquez
8. Bressan
9. Bruma
10. Carlos Fierro
11. Coutinho
12. Denis Suarez
13. Erick Torres
14. Erik Lamela
15. Gerard Deulofeu
16. Jack Butland
17. James Ward-Prowse
18. Jese
19. Jonjo Shelvey
20. Joshua King
21. Kara
22. Kiko Femenia
23. Koke
24. Kurt Zouma
25. Lewis Holtby
26. Lucas Piazon
27. Luke Shaw
28. Magnus Wolff Eikrem
29. Marc-Andre ter Stegen
30. Mason Bennett
31. Mateo Kovacic
32. Mbaye Niang
33. Moritz Leitner
34. Muhammed Demirci
35. Neymar
36. Nick Powell
37. Raheem Sterling
38. Raphael Varane
39. Romario
40. Romelu Lukaku
41. Stephan El Shaarawy
42. Suso
43. Teemu Pukki
44. Thibaut Courtois
45. Thomas Ince
46. Wilfried Zaha
47. Will Hughes
48. Zakaria Bakkali
49. Zakaria Labyad

So they're the 49 players I will analyse first. Once done, feel free to suggest players, club, competitions and managers for me to find out about and post here.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Edit: I know I am taking this idea slower, but will update alot more soon, hoping to hit 20 by the end of tomorrow. I am now not including other sorts of players, unless requested when done. Instead, when FM14 is out, I will do it all immediately and publish it all in the first few days. If you want to see the players from value rather than potential, check out Joe's The Fantastic Future Here

Nice Idea, will be interesting. Do Adam Campbell!

Great idea, Devil. I will be following. I hope you put in as much detail as possible. And make sure in FM14, you do this as soon as you get the game. Will help a lot more people out

1. Ademilson

Ademilson is favourite of many on FMScout, with a cheap buy out clause, and the stats and potential to match it!

Position: Striker
Nationality: Brazilian
Player ID: 19161405

2012

Age: 18
Club: Sao Paulo
Value: £1.7 million
Wage: £1,100 per week
National Apps/Goals: 0/0
U20 National Apps/Goals: 0/0
3 Best Stats: Finishing (15) Composure (15) Off The Ball (15)

At the start of the game, Ademilson looks like he could be a top player already, and could be a key man for the Brazilian club early on, but may look for a bigger club in the near future.

2017

Age: 23
Club: Flamengo
Value: £11.5 mllion
Wage: £32,000 per week
National Apps/Goals: 0/0
U20 National Apps/Goals: 29/33
3 Best Stats: Composure (18) Off The Ball (18) Anticipation(17)

Now in 2017, Ademilson has become a much better player as suggested, improving the stats, his value and success at the club. Ademilson decided to stay in Brazil, becoming a squad regular, besides a loan spell to FC Red Bull Salzburg in 2014.



Ademilson has had his fair share of success, with Brazil. He broke the South America U20 Championship record for most goals in a game, scoring 4 against Bolivia, and gained and lost the vice captaincy while finishing 3rd in the U20 World cup and claiming the golden boot, and becoming runners up in the Olympics.

Value for money: 8/10
Wonderkid rating: 8/10
Best for: Mid Premier League level.

2013-03-23 10:41#86648 Toon : Nice Idea, will be interesting. Do Adam Campbell!

I will make sure I do Adam Campbell as the 50th player..

And thanks, I've wanted to do it for a while now, nice to get it started!

2013-03-23 10:41#86649 akash.vidyasagar : Great idea, Devil. I will be following. I hope you put in as much detail as possible. And make sure in FM14, you do this as soon as you get the game. Will help a lot more people out

I will try to put in as much detail as possible into every player, it's something I'm really interested in doing! I will make sure it is done for FM14 too!

This should be interesting Devil

2. Adnan Januzaj

Januzaj is not used, and loved as much as others on the list, but he is still seen as a wonderkid, and a wonderkid I love to use (although definitely not just because I'm a United fan). He's young, talented, and Belgain. What could be better?

Position: Attacking Midfielder
Nationality: Belgain
Player ID: 18054092

2012

Age: 17
Club: Manchester United
Value: £0.15 million
Wage: £2,600 per week
National Apps/Goals: 0/0
U20 National Apps/Goals: 0/0
3 Best Stats: Flair (18) First Touch (14) Passing (13)

At the start of the game, Januzaj looks to have potential, although it may not be used at Old Trafford, meaning a move as soon as possible seems the best option of the youngster. He certainly looks like a possible gem, but is yet to show any sign of it.

2017

Age: 22
Club: Manchester United
Value: £0.875 million
Wage: £8,000 per week
National Apps/Goals: 0/0
U20 National Apps/Goals: 44/7
3 Best Stats: Pace (15) Passing (15) Dribbling (15)

Januzaj is still yet to shine. Not getting the move away from Manchester has become a possible issue, rarely featuring for a squad. However, a loan spell in 2016 with Queens Park Rangers seemed quite successful, suggesting possible talent ready to burst out.



Due to Januzaj's little playing time, achievements are currently minimal for the Belgain. However, in 2015 he was part of the side that lifted the Community Shield, and won the Reserves Group 2 while on loan at Queens Park Rangers. He still needs a move to truly show what he is like though.

Value for money: 6/10
Wonderkid rating: 5/10
Best for: Teams at a Championship, or high League One level.

2013-03-23 11:37#86669 Blue : This should be interesting Devil

I'm hoping it will become big. Gives players a chance to see who to buy and how their buys could turn out, but also enjoyable to see if they turned out how I wanted it to be.

3. Adryan

Ademilson is possibly one of the most well known wonderkids on this list on this site, becoming a favourite of many due to his potential, and amazingly cheap buy out clause of just £875 thousand.

Position: Attacking Midfielder
Nationality: Brazilian
Player ID: 19124583

2012

Age: 17
Club: Flamengo
Value: £1.5 million
Wage: £180 per week
National Apps/Goals: 0/0
U20 National Apps/Goals: 0/0
3 Best Stats: Free Kick Taking (14) Technique (14) Natural Fitness (14)

At the start of the game, Adryan looks to be part of the Flamengo set up alright, but the stats don't show him to be the class player many predict he becomes. Nevertheless, the stats could change easily.

2017

Age: 22
Club: Flamengo
Value: £17 million
Wage: £31,500 per week
National Apps/Goals: 0/0
U20 National Apps/Goals: 21/3
3 Best Stats: Passing (19) Creativity (18) Technique (17)

Now in 2017, Adryan has developed a lot as a player, improving the stats, his value and success at the club. Adryan stayed at Flamengo for all 5 years, becoming a regular in the squad from the start of 2012. He proved he was good enough, and at this rate could even become a club legend.



Adryan has had a lot of success with the Brazil U20 squad, finshing 3rd in the U20 World Cup, becoming captain, and becoming runners up in the Olympic Squad. Moreover, Adryan also had club success, winning the league and finishing as runner up many times, but also winning the Supporters Player of the Year in 2016.

Value for money: 10/10
Wonderkid rating: 9/10
Best for: Premier league level, but may need loan spells first few seasons.

Adryan has progressed really well

2013-03-23 12:23#86680 Blue : Adryan has progressed really well

I was shocked! I've seen so many people buy him but never get far enough in their story to use him - least we know why now!

4. Alex Sandro

Alex Sandro is not seen as often in stories here, but is still seen as a wonderkid by many, including myself. I've always wanted to use him, so least now I can see if he's worth it!

Position: Left Back
Nationality: Brazilian
Player ID: 19067093

2012

Age: 21
Club: FC Porto
Value: £3.6 million
Wage: £13,000 per week
National Apps/Goals: 4/0
U20 National Apps/Goals: 0/0
3 Best Stats: Off The Ball(16) Acceleration (16) Pace (15)

Sandro is one of the more experienced players in this list, having already secured his place in the Porto starting line-up. However, he is still only 21, and can still progress alot, into possibly one of the best left backs in the world.

2017

Age: 26
Club: FC Porto
Value: £13.75 million
Wage: £25,500 per week
National Apps/Goals: 8/0
U20 National Apps/Goals: 0/0
3 Best Stats: Crossing (17) Acceleration (17) Pace (16)

Alex Sandro hasn't improved as much as others, but he has still become a top left back, one of the best in the world. His stats have become very solid and he is certainly one to watch out for. Staying at Porto has helped him gain regular appearances, meaning he could develop a lot.



Sandro became fairly successful over the five years, helping lead Porto to victory in the league every season besides one, as well as to a win in the Taca de Portgual, Supertaca and the Portugese League Cup three times. However, Sandro is yet to be recognised with any individual awards.

Value for money: 8.5/10
Wonderkid rating: 9/10
Best for: Top Premier League standard

5. Ander Herrera

At his age, Ander Herrera is seen as being on the boundary of being called a wonderkid, and isn't used much on FMScout, so could this uncover a new gem for the site?

Position: Central Midfielder
Nationality: Spanish
Player ID: 67009261

2012

Age: 22
Club: Athletic Bilbao
Value: £7.5 million
Wage: £44,000 per week
National Apps/Goals: 0/0
U20 National Apps/Goals: 15/4
3 Best Stats: First Touch (19) Teamwork (16) Flair (15)

Herrera has already soiled his position in the club at 22, but can develop a lot still, with definite potential and adaptability. In 2012, Herrera has been seen by some of the top clubs in the world after signing for Bilbao, and played a bit part in the clubs campaigns already.

2017

Age: 27
Club: Athletic Bilbao
Value: £19.5 million
Wage: £68,000 per week
National Apps/Goals: 2/0
U20 National Apps/Goals: 15/4
3 Best Stats: First Touch (20) Passing (19) Creativity (19)

Herrera has become a great midfielder, possibly one of the best in the world. At 27, he has improved his stats alot, and become a player that could fit into a squad such as Barcelona or Real Madrid. Ander is definitely a wonderkid, staying with Bilbao for all 5 seasons.



However, Ander doesn't have much success to his name. He hasn't been able to win anything with Bilbao, with the likes of Barcelona and Madrid dominating Spain, and he hasn't yet been able to break into the Spanish national squad. His future looks bright though.

Value for money: 7/10
Wonderkid rating: 9.5/10
Best for: Top Premier League standard

6. Andreas Pereira

Andreas Pereira is unknown to many people on Football Manager, but as a Manchester United fan, I have looked into him before, and I've seen he could be great, or not so much, he's a risky player, but it could pay off.

Position: Central Midfielder
Nationality: Spanish
Player ID: 67009261

2012

Age: 16
Club: Manchester United
Value: £0.05 million
Wage: £55 per week
National Apps/Goals: 0/0
U20 National Apps/Goals: 0/0
3 Best Stats: Technique (12) Creativity (12) Pace (12)

In 2012 Andreas is only just coming through the ranks at Manchester United, still only 16 and unknown on the game. However, he is showing some early signs suggesting his potential.

2017

Age: 21
Club: Free Agent
Value: -
Wage: -
National Apps/Goals: 0/0
U20 National Apps/Goals: 17/1
3 Best Stats: Team Work (16) First Touch (13) Passing (13)

Pereira hasn't had the best few years. He didn't feature at all for the United squad in 5 seasons, but had two fairly successful loan spells. Konyaspor was his first club, playing some average games and getting an average review. Oldham Athletic also took him own, but he didn't play much.



Pereira is yet to gain any success, due to playing only a few games in his career and featuring for lower league, and less successful teams.

Value for money: 6/10
Wonderkid rating: 5/10
Best for: Low League One, high League Two teams