With La Liga giving us the likes of Raul, Sergio Ramos, Lionel Messi, Carles Puyol, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Iker Casillas, Fernando Torres, Sergio Aguero and many more, it is a great place for young talent to break through. On FIFA 17 it is no different, with plenty of promising wonderkids to sign in career mode. RealSport takes you through the top 10.
Mikel Oyarzabal (OVR 77 – POT 85)
With Charly Musonda (OVR 77 – POT 88) and Dani Ceballos (OVR 77 – POT 85) already featuring on our Highest Potential La Liga Players and Midfield Wonderkids pieces, we have Real Sociedad winger Mikel Oyarzabal kicking us off. Despite only playing 16 games for Sociedad last season, the 19-year-old was called up to the international side just before Euro 2016, and although he didn’t make the cut for the tournament, he was handed his debut against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Oyarzabal can play on either wing or as a striker, possessing great ball control (82), dribbling (81), reactions (81) and positioning (80). He has a long contract at Sociedad until 2022, so he will set you back close to £20 million, but his wages of £720 per week could tempt you to make the purchase.
Jorge Mere (OVR 76 – POT 84)
It’s refreshing to see a young centre-back coming through, and with the likes of Sergio Ramos, Fernando Hierro, Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique all making their mark in La Liga, let’s hope Sporting Gijon man Jorge Mere can follow the same path. The 19-year-old has already made 30 appearances in La Liga, starting five of Gijon’s seven matches this season. On FIFA 17 he has 81 sliding tackles, 80 jumping and 78 marking, which can be yours for around £11 million, and just £720 per week wages.
Nahuel Leiva (OVR 74 – POT 83)
After finishing 10th last season in La Liga, Real Betis are going from strength to strength, and after loaning in Nahuel Leiva in their side, long may it continue. The 19-year-old right or left midfielder has arrived from Villarreal for two seasons, after playing 26 games last term. He failed to register a goal in that time and now needs to prove a point at Betis. Nahuel has 84-rated balance, 82 dribbling and 77 acceleration, making him a slippery customer. As he is on loan for two seasons, you will have to wait to make the purchase, but worth giving him a look as you enter your third season.
Jeremie Boga (OVR 73 – POT 84)
Chelsea have once again loaned out a lot of players this season and given the FIFA ratings of Charly Musonda and now Jeremie Boga, they must be careful to not let their top talent go to waste. The 19-year-old attacking midfielder, striker or right winger Boga only made six starts whilst on loan at Rennes in France last season, but came off the bench 21 times. He has had more regular game time at Granada in La Liga this season, making three starts and scoring against Las Palmas back in August. You will have to wait until next summer to sign him, but with 83 acceleration, 81 agility and 81 shot power, he is definitely someone you should consider.
Adrian Marin (OVR 73 – POT 83)
No, this isn’t Chelsea flop Marko Marin, but Leganes left back Adrian Marin, who is on loan from Villarreal. The 19-year-old made 15 appearances for The Yellow Submarine last season and has already made five for his new side this campaign. On FIFA 17 he can offer you 77 interceptions, 76 sliding tackles and 75 crossing, plus the ability to play on the left side of midfield. He is on loan, however, but one season’s growth at Leganes could be exactly what he needs to come into your plans.
Marlos Moreno (OVR 72 – POT 84)
The Manchester City army is growing with Marlos Moreno joining Gabriel Jesus, Geronimo Rulli and Oleksandr Zinchenko as players out on loan. 19-year-old Moreno was signed from Atletico Nacional back in his native Colombia but was immediately loaned out to Deportivo La Coruna. He has made four appearances for his new side, but the wide midfielder or striker is yet to find the net or make an assist. He is a speed merchant holding 88 sprint speed, 86 agility and 85 acceleration on FIFA 17, but once again you will have to sign him after his loan spell.
Ezequiel Ponce (OVR 72 - POT 83)
Another loanee, but this time it is Granada striker Ezequiel Ponce. The 19-year-old is on loan from Roma, and after failing to register an appearance for the Italian side last season, he looks to get his career back on track in Spain. He has already chalked up a goal in his first five appearances for the club, poking home at the back post against Villarreal back in August. On FIFA 17 he has 79 acceleration, 78 jumping and 77 finishing, showing a good spread of skills, but you will have to wait a season to get your hands on him.
Martin Ødegaard (OVR 70 – POT 83)
By now we had all expected Martin Ødegaard to at least be picking up the odd appearance for Real Madrid, but after one showing from the bench last season, we are yet to see him. There is no doubting his potential, but the fact his overall level has only gone up by three since he burst onto the scene at the beginning of last season, he may not live up to the hype. But at just 17 years old he does still hold 83-rated dribbling, 79 agility and 78 acceleration, and you could purchase him for less than £10 million and £7,000 wages. Perhaps one to take on loan and see him in action.
Aitor Bunuel (OVR 69 – POT 84)
Wing backs are rarely seen but we have here Osasuna right wing back Aitor Bunuel. He has made 15 appearances for Osasuna, scoring one goal, and although the 18-year-old is not yet a first team regular, there is a feeling that this could be his breakthrough year, after flirting with first team action last season. On FIFA 17 he offers 85-rated balance, 80 acceleration, and 77 sprint speed, so not an easy man to beat. With his contract up at the end of the season, you could sign him for just £1 million and £720, as he can play as a conventional right back.
Caio Henrique (OVR 66 – POT 83)
18-year-old Caio Henrique gradually improves on FIFA 17 Career Mode, with the capability of growing 17 levels. The Atletico Madrid man joined from Santos back in February, and although he is yet to make an appearance for Atletico, the fact that he signed a fresh contract at the end of last season with a £27 million buy-out clause speaks volumes. He does have a low starting rating on FIFA 17, but he still has 73 balance, 73 curve and 72 short passing, and although he has a long contract, you could still sign him for £6 million. Another one to possibly take on loan first.