Is your career mode team lacking some sparkle in the midfield? Is your squad slow on pace or missing a bit of flair? This list of the top 15 young midfielders will help your team achieve lasting success season after season rather than being lost to the lower divisions.

Bringing young blood into any squad is the key to building an unbeatable team, especially in the heart of the pitch. The midfield is where the ball is won and lost and ultimately controls the whole game. But what’s the difference between a team who are a one-season-wonder and developing a legacy of champions? Wonderkids that have truly incredible potential!

So, this brilliant line up of under 21 year olds will definitely help to improve any squad. With some big names and some unheard of, you’ll definitely find your missing link.

15. Facundo Farias - Argentina - Inter Miami (MLS) - 20 - CAM, CF - Overall 75 - Potential 85 - Transfer Cost £11.5m

Facundo Farias Real World Highlights

Having recently moved from Colon in Argentina to David Beckham’s Inter Miami in 2023, Farias has wasted no time in setting himself up as a strong member of the first squad. Although currently being used as a forward on the wing, Farias is a strong addition to the midfield to lead in the attack.

It’s clear to see why he’s used in the attack though, with a Pace of 86 and Dribbling of 83, Farias brings an impressive speed and level of control to the game. Having the First Touch Play Style, Farias receives the ball with impressive control, making him the perfect target for counter attacks on the defensive line.

For me, Farias is a great player to get if you’re playing as a lower level top tier team to support the squad depth and development in the first few seasons while building up funds to go for some of the bigger names further down the lists. Another option is to use player development and convert him to the RM to bring out his pace on the wing.

• Incredible Speed - Farias’ Acceleration of 91 and Sprint Speed of 82 sets him up as a cheetah on the field.
• Press Proven - With the Press Proven, Flair and Trickster Play Styles, you can have real confidence with the ball at his feet, like it’s glued to his boot.
• Back Up Striker - Farias can equally play up top as Inter Miami are using him in real life, meaning that for £11.5m you have strong coverage of two key positions.
• Potential Right Midfielder - With the intense pace he possesses, by converting him to be a RM, he could definitely develop as a wing player to fill a hole on the side of the pitch.

Facundo Farias full details

14. Heorhii Sudakov - Ukraine - Shakhtar Donetsk (Rest of the World) - 20 - CAM, CM - Overall 75 - Potential 85 - Transfer Cost £11.5m

Georgiy Sudakov Real World Highlights

Sudakov has risen through the Shakhtar U21s team to join the first squad in the 20/21 season and has been a key member of their team since. With 12 caps for his international team of Ukraine, Sudakov is a strong asset for any mid level squad.

Although having no distinctive Play Styles, Sudakov is a well rounded midfielder with his pace, dribbling, passing and shooting all scoring in the 70s (75, 74, 71 and 72 respectively). With this in mind and a growing potential to an overall of 85, Sudakov can fit well into any tactic that you want to play.

Again, much like Farias, Sudakov is a brilliant short term boost to the squad while building up funds for some of the world class names coming up.

• Strong Allrounder - With strong attributes across Pace, Dribbling, Shooting and Passing, Sudakov fits in well to any team, working as a playmaker setting up passes, dribbling through defence, or running on to receive balls. Like that irritating friend who can just do everything without really trying.
• Long Shot Ability - Sudakov is extremely capable with long shots, having a rating of 80 and Finishing rating of 71, sitting just off the box, he can be deadly to any attack.
• Affordable Prospect - Being able to buy Sudakov in for a mere £11.5m (I know it’s still a lot), he can be either a cheap option to bolster the team, or a worthwhile investment to develop and sell on at a profit.
• What Weak Foot? - With a 5-star weak foot stat, Sudakov is more than capable whatever side he sets himself up on, increasing his versatility.

Heorhii Sudakov full details

13. Rayan Cherki - France - OL (Ligue 1) - 20 - CAM - Overall 75 - Potential 86 - Transfer Cost £11m

Rayan Cherki Real World Highlights

Currently a rotation player for his hometown club OL, Rayan Cherki has come through the Lyon academy, making regular appearances for the first team for the last 5 seasons.

Although a little slow with pace (only rating 69), Rayan makes up for this with his impressive dribbling ability (rating 83) which is complemented by his versatile passing  (rating 72). These are heightened by his Play Styles of Incisive Pass, Flair, Trickster, Technical and Trivela, making him a handful for any opposition's defence. 

Cherki is able to play as a winger as well as attacking midfield, however if you’re looking to play with fast wingers for counter attacks and to beat the defensive line, Cherki is better off in the CAM role to supply the ball through the defence onto his attacking teammates.

• Absolute Bargain - With a potential of 86, being able to get him at £11m makes him extremely accessible for most top tier clubs.
• Versatile PlayStyles - Cherki has a total of 7 different silver play styles primarily around his control of the ball and passing.
• Powerful Playmaker - With his ratings and Play Styles in dribbling and passing, setting Cherki as a playmaker for the squad unlocks his true potential on the field, bringing the best of those around him.
• 5 Star Weak Foot - Although his preferred foot is his left, Cherki is completely versatile to be able to play from either side, making him more difficult to contain.

Rayan Cherki full details

12. Fabio Miretti - Italy - Juventus (Series A) - 19 - CM, CAM - Overall 75 - Potential 88 - Transfer Cost £12m

Fabio Miretti Real World Highlights

Another homegrown player on the list, Miretti has worked his way through the Juventus youth programme and is now making waves as a rotation squad member for the last two seasons.

Another central midfielder in the list, however Miretti sits more comfortably right in the middle rather than sitting on the attacking or defending side. With the same overall rating as the previous three entries, Miretti is an absolute steal at £12m considering his growth potential to an overall rating of 88. Although Miretti is more lacking in the shooting department compared to Sudakov, Farias and Cherki, his Passing and Dribbling skills make up for this(rated 75 and 79), as does his stamina of 79, making him a great box to box player.

• Match Endurance - With a starting stamina of 79 and key dribbling and passing attributes, Miretti is a great holding player in the centre to be able to get the ball and work to pick out a pass, or to work as a box to box player spanning the length of the pitch.
• Trivela - Alongside his passing rating of 75, Miretti’s Trivela Play Style allows him to play outside of the foot passes and shots, making him an even more skilled supplier of the ball.
• Prime Investment - At only £12m, Miretti is a perfect option to get in season one, even just as an extra substitute option to then develop and sell on in a later season for profit.

Fabio Miretti full details 

11.  Gabriel Veiga - Spain - Al Ahli (ROSHN Saudi League) - 21 - CM, CAM - Overall 78 - Potential 86 - Transfer Cost £28.5m

Gabri Veiga Real World Highlights

Having moved to Al Ahli in the summer of 2023, Veiga is already making his presence known with 4 goals and 3 assists in 16 games. This on the back of his 15 goal contributions in La Liga for Celta Vigo last year shows that he is a regular name on the scoresheets and a true threat on the attack.

When looking at his stats, you can clearly see why he’s a force to be reckoned with; Pace of 74, Dribbling of 78, Shooting of 77, and Passing of 72. Although at the top end of the age range to make it onto this list, he still has a great growth potential to rise to an overall of 86, making him a secure purchase for your squad.

• Right Mid Option - With his preferred foot being his right and the dribbling rating of 78 plus a vision and long pass of 76 and 78, Veiga is a great option to shift onto the right and support your wing possibilities.
• Ranged Marksman - Using Veiga to sit just slightly off the box allows him to be in position to unleash his 82 rated long shots with 81 rated finishing to score some beautiful long range goals.
• Investment Opportunity - Although one of our mid range options when it comes to price, at £28.5m he still has a lot of room to grow and ultimately turn a profit.

Gabri Veiga full details

10.Tommaso Baldanzi - Italy - Roma (Series A) - 20 - CAM, CF - Overall 77 - Potential 87 - Transfer Cost £21m

Tommaso Baldanzi Real World Highlights

As a deadline day transfer, Baldanzi has only recently moved from Empoli to Roma. Prior to November 2023, Baldanzi was a regular starter for Empoli, however an ankle injury ruled him out for some time and he is now getting back to games as a rotation player for his new squad.

Returning once more to attacking players, Baldanzi is an absolute threat when in possession. With an electric pace and controlled dribbling paired with accurate passing and shooting, Baldanzi is a real asset to any team on the attack. The only downfall here is a poor level of physicality including stamina (rating 68) so unfortunately will burn out before the end of the game if used for his pace regularly.

• Skilled Dribbling - With an overall dribbling rating of 81 and a specific agility and balance of 83 and 88, Baldanzi is only made more impressive by his Play Styles of Technical and Flair.
• Option for the Left - Being left footed and with his strong dribbling, pace and passing (ratings 81, 78 and 74), Baldanzi is a perfect option for either LM or LW increasing the options of the left side of the field.
• Super Sub - From experience, due to his stamina being low, Baldanzi suits the role of super sub extremely well, bringing him on in the latter half of the game for his fresh legs and pace to change the dynamics and mount new attacks.

Tommaso Baldanzi full details

9. Arda Guler - Turkey - Real Madrid (La Liga) - 19 - CAM, CM, RW - Overall 77 - Potential 88 - Transfer Cost £20m

Arda Guler Real World Highlights

When Guler joined Los Blancos in the summer of 2023, unfortunately he was ruled out of action with injury, however now fully recovered, he’s trying to make his way into the squad, regularly an option on the bench for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. Having made 4 caps for his international team of Turkey, Guler is definitely beginning to make waves on the global stage.

Guler is a must buy. At 19 he is only at the start of his career and the growth potential is incredible. Already with dribbling and passing attributes of 81 and 80, he brings some creative magic to any team, and he only gets better, which is only made even more exciting by his relatively low price tag of £20m.

• Dribbling Dynamo - As mentioned, Guler’s dribbling skills even at the start of season one are incredible, and are only enhanced by his Play Styles of Flair and Technical, making him an incredibly hard player to contain for the opposition.
• Gifted Supplier - Much like his dribbling, Guler’s other Play Styles further develop his passing attributes with; Long Ball Pass, Incisive Pass and Whipped Pass.
• Finishing from Range - Not only can Guler deliver the ball, but he also has a great ability for shooting from range, either in open play or from a free kick with long shot and free kick accuracy of 73 and 76.
• Wing Options - Although he already is attributed to RW, with his preferred foot being his left, by reallocating him to LM he can improve your options down the left hand side to improve options there, still rating 77 in this position.

Arda Guler full details

8. Warren Zaire-Emery - France - PSG (Ligue 1) - 17 - CM, CDM - Overall 795 - Potential 9088 - Transfer Cost £28.5m

Warren Zaïre-Emery Real World Highlights

As the youngest on the list, Zaire-Emery is one of the hottest prospects here, having broken into PSG’s first squad this season as a regular name in the starting line up. Also, with a cap already to his name for the French squad, he is sure to be one to watch in the years to come.

Zarie-Emery, whilst a talented player, is on this list more as what he can be rather than what he is in season one of a career mode. That said, he has a fairly good consistency across his stats with the exception of shooting (rating 672), his other key attributes span the ratings of 69 to 75 to 79. By converting him to be in a CDM role, he really comes into his own and can develop impressively well over the years of a career.

• Future Star - Easily the hottest prospect in the midfield, at 17 Zaire-Emery’s should be a central point to any long term plans with a growth potential of 9088.
• Great Holding Player - With such strong Dribbling, Defending, Passing and Physicality stings (758, 7569, 751 and 771), Zaire-Emery is a great CDM to be used to mount attacks, able to dribble into space, pick out passes and win the ball back extremely well.
• Nuisance for Attackers - Building on his strength in the CDM role, Zaire-Emery has some specific traits which lend to this. With an interception of 772, standing tackle of 8074 and aggression of 762, he’s a constant issue for any attacking players coming against him.

Warren Zaire-Emery full details

7. Xavi Simons - Netherlands - RB Leipzig (Bundesliga) - 20 - CAM, LW, RW - Overall 82 - Potential 89 - Transfer Cost £51m

Xavi Simons Real World Highlights

Currently on loan from PSG to RB Leipzig, Simons is really the first of the big names in this list and a main starter for a top tier team. With 18 goal contributions in 31 games, his loan spell has definitely been a success for getting game time and making his name known, with a further 11 caps for the Dutch national squad.

With 3 different Play Styles based on dribbling and control, Simons is extremely talented with the ball at his feet. Matching this with his raw pace of 87, it’s clear to see why Leipzig have been using him on the wings.

• Pure Pace - With a sprint speed and acceleration of 85 and 89, Simons’ pace can really add a new energy to any team, speeding up the play.
• Incredible Control - Having  dribbling and ball control ratings of 85 alongside his active Play Styles of Flair, Technical and First Touch, Simons is a magician with the ball.
• Absolute Machine - Having an engine like Simons’ gives him an impressive stamina rating of 84, so he can simply just keep going and going.
• Great Wingman - As mentioned above, Simons’ collection of impressive stats make him a fantastic option either in CAM or on either wing, making him a very versatile player.

Xavi Simons full details

6. Eduardo Camavinga - France - Real Madrid (La Liga) - 20 - CDM, CM, LB - Overall 82 - Potential 89 - Transfer Cost £52m

Eduardo Camavinga Real World Highlights

Having come through the Rennes youth academy until breaking into the main squad in 2019, Camavinga’s Ligue 1 career was short lived, only two years before being hunted by the giants that are Real Madrid. Since 2021, Camavinga has been a regular name on the team sheet for Los Blancos and has even been called up 13 times for his national team.

Our highest ranked defensive midfielder in the list, Camavinga definitely makes his presence known to attackers with a defending and physicality of 78 and 82. Not only strong off the ball, but in possession with a dribbling rating of 82, Camavinga is a handful to control.

• A Dominant Force - Camavinga’s range of ratings; strength of 82, composure of 81 and ball control of 86, make him a truly powerful player.
• Defensively Strong - Not only does Camavinga boast a defence rating of 78, but he also has 3 different Play Styles based on heightened defence; Jockey, Bruiser and Block.
• Back Up Wing Back - With all of his ratings already discussed, Camavinga already occasionally plays in LB. However, with his pace of 79 and passing of 80, he is a perfect option as a backup LWB giving you more depth.

Eduardo Camavinga full details

5. Gavi - Spain - Barcelona (La Liga) - 18 - CM, LW - Overall 83 - Potential 90 - Transfer Cost £63.5m

Gavi Real World Highlights

Another homegrown talent, Gavi has worked his way through the Barcelona youth academy since the age of 11. Then, only 6 years later, at the age of 17, Gavi broke into the Barca squad as a rotation player before now being a regular starter, only missing games recently due to injury. Despite his age, alongside Bellingham, he is also the most capped player on this list, with 27 appearances for Spain, scoring on 5 occasions.

Gavi can be perfectly described with one of his Play Styles, Relentless. With a stamina and aggression of 84 and 85, and dribbling overall of 85, Gavi can be always on the go, either charging with the ball thanks to his other Play Style of Rapid, or winning the ball back thanks to his high ratings in interceptions, standing and sliding tackles (79. 78 and 72).

• Passing Master - Despite a passing overall of 78, Gavi boasts specific ratings for vision, short passing and long passing of 83, 84 and 82. This makes him a reliable supplier to any area of the pitch.
• Confident Dribbling - With an overall dribbling rating of 86, Gavi is extremely able with the ball at his feet, which paired with his passing traits makes him able to deliver at the end of a run.
• Relentless - As mentioned, Gavi’s Play Style allows for increased fatigue recovery during half time which accompanied with his impressive stamina of 84, makes him a reliable player to last the whole game.

Gavi full details

4. Florian Wirtz - Germany - Bayer Leverkusen (Bundesliga) - 20 - CAM, CM - Overall 87 - Potential 92 - Transfer Cost £91m

Florian Wirtz Real World Highlights

Coming through the Koln youth team until bought by Leverkusen at the age of 16, Wirtz is a vital member of Xabi Alonso’s squad. With 25 goal contributions in 31 games, Wirtz makes his presence known and so it’s no surprise he’s making himself a regular for the German national team with 14 caps so far.

For me personally, Florian Wirtz is one of my favourites in this list, having regularly bought him and one other for my Liverpool manager mode the last 3 years running. Although his defending is poor at only 52, Wirtz is incredible as an attacking midfielder sitting just behind the strikers. Having a dribbling of 87, passing of 86 and shooting of 76, Wirtz can make some space to either set up a teammate, or go for goal himself.

• Masterful Passer - With the Incisive Pass and Trivela Play Styles complimenting his already impressive passing of 86, Wirtz is a reliable player to supply the ball wherever it’s needed.
• Dynamic Dribbler - Blessed with the Technical Play Style, Wirtz is extremely capable with the ball at his feet, having a ball control of 89 and dribbling of 87.
• Strike Support - Both of these strengths, alongside his positioning of 81 and stamina of 83, set Wirtz up as a great support for any forward players.

Florian Wirtz full details

3. Pedri - Spain - Barcelona (La Liga) - 20 - CM - Overall 86 - Potential 92 - Transfer Cost £97.5m

Pedri Real World Highlights

Another member of the list who’s been plagued by injury lately, when fit, Pedri has been a regular starter for Barca since he joined the team in 2019. In 2021, Pedri made his first appearance for the Spanish national team and has earned a further 17 caps to date.

Another skilled dribbler of the ball with a rating of 88, however Pedri’s real talent comes in the form of his passing. Having two Play Styles and a Play Style+ based on passing (Incisive Pass, Long Ball Pass and Tika Taka), Pedri is extremely able to play short and controlled balls, or length cross-field lobs.

• Pro Passer - The three Play Styles mentioned show a real strength when it comes to supplying the ball and either playing long balls, or quick and sharp short balls.
• Tireless - With the Relentless Play Style and a stamina of 87, Pedri remains fresh for the vast amount of the game, making the most of him for the full 90 minutes.
• Skilled Dribbler - Pedri is yet another talented player with the ball at his feet. With an overall dribbling rating of 88 and the Technical Play Style, he can always find a way to work into space.

Pedri full details

2. Jamal Musiala - Germany - Bayern Munchen (Bundesliga) - 21 - CAM, CM, LM - Overall 86 - Potential 93 - Transfer Cost £121m

Jamal Musiala Real World Highlights

A former member of the Chelsea youth academy, Musiala joined the Bayern youth team in 2019 for a massive sum of €200k. Since then, Musiala has worked his way up through the ranks to being a regular starter for both his club, and his national team of Germany.

The most impressive dribbler on the list, Musiala boasts a dribbling rating of 92, with 93 agility and 94 dribbling, which matched with his pace of 85 makes him a nightmare for defenders. It’s completely understandable to see why with these traits he is also an option in left midfield in order to provide some range out wide.

• The Trickster King - Musiala really is an artist with the ball at his feet. With 5 star skill moves and the First Touch, Trickster and Flair Play Styles enhancing his dribbling, winning the ball from him is no mean feat.
• Electric Pace - An incredible pace of 85 makes Musiala ridiculously fast, but pairing this with the Play Style+ of Technical allows him to reach higher speeds when running with the ball, making him uncatchable.
• Supporting the Attack - Musiala’s positioning and vision are very strong with ratings of 81 and 82, which alongside his finishing of 79 and short and long passing of 82 and 77 means he is more than capable of delivering in the final third.

Jamal Musiala full details

1. Jude Bellingham - England - Real Madrid (La Liga) - 20 - CM, CAM - Overall 88 - Potential 92 - Transfer Cost £106.5m

Jude Bellingham Real World Highlights

After setting the Bundesliga a light for Dortmund, Bellingham moved to the La Liga last summer and has been instrumental to their success this season with 28 goal contributions in 29 games across all competitions. As highlighted before, he’s also the joint most capped player on this list with Gavi, showing his importance already in the England squad.

Alongside Wirtz, Jude Bellingham has been a consistent purchase for me for my Liverpool manager mode since FIFA 22. The best all rounder on the list, Bellingham’s overall stats range from 78 (Pace) to 87 (Dribbling), however he only has 4 specific stats less than 70; crossing, free kick accuracy, penalties and heading accuracy. His well rounded abilities make him a perfect fit for either attacking or defending in any team.

• Rare Allrounder - As highlighted already, Bellingham is insanely consistent across all abilities, making him the most versatile midfielder on the list to play in any position in the middle of the pitch.
• Insane Stamina - With a stamina rating of 93, not only is he extremely capable, but he’s an absolute workhorse who just keeps going. This is further enhanced by his Play Style+ of Relentless which gives him an energy boost at half time.
• Ultimate Potential - Already rated 88 at the age of 20, Bellingham’s potential is unreal, reaching an overall of 92. So £106.5m might seem a lot, but he is most definitely worth it.

Jude Bellingham full details

So that tops off my list of the top 15 young midfielders in EA Sports FC 24. I hope it’s helped give some new ideas of who can fit into your squad and best of luck with the seasons ahead.

You may also be interested in;

• [Top 15] EAFC 24 Best Young GK (15 Amazing Goalkeepers for Career Mode)
• [Top 15] EAFC 24 Best Young Defenders (15 Amazing Defenders for Career Mode)
• [Top 15] EAFC 24 Best Young RB (15 Amazing Right Backs for Career Mode)