Today, aspiring managers all over Merseyside finally have access to Football Manager 21.
And with it comes the chance to take the helm at Merseyside’s top clubs.
FM 21 will be the first released on console as the game is set to be released on xbox for the first time (release date Dec 1).
So we delve into the game and take a look at the top youth prospects within the region under the age of 22 and help new managers keep an eye on their development.
The ratings are taken from the beta version of the game we have had access to and are subject to change throughout the FM 21’s lifecycle.
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Kyle John Current Ability – 75 Potential – 137
Coming in at number 10 is Everton Under 23’s Kyle John who can comfortably play anywhere down the right hand side. With a potential of 137, John may never be a world beater but could become a dependable part of a future Everton side.
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Reece Welch Current Ability – 55 Potential – 138
Reece Welch is one of the youngest players on this list starting the game at just 16 years old. Players looking to develop Welch will likely have to wait a few years before their training comes to fruition. Much like John Welch should develop into a stable central defender that can remain a part of your side for many years.
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Anthony Gordon Current Ability – 116 Potential – 140
Once again staying with the blue side of Merseyside Anthony Gordon is a versatile player comfortable anywhere along the top of the pitch. Gordon will perhaps be the most familiar name so far on the list already having made 12 appearances for the Everton first team. In FM 21 and real life, Gordon looks set to become an important part of the Toffee’s attack for years to come.
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Jarrad Branthwaite Current Ability – 104 Potential – 142
Branthwaite starts the game as a defender capable of playing all across the backline, and even in midfield in a pinch. But the 18 years old is most comfortable in the center and could go on to form a steady partnership with Reece Welch for the blue for many years.
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Tom Davies Current Ability – 131 Potential – 148
Davies is one of the oldest players on this list starting the game right at the cut off age of 22 and as a result is a player that can slot right into Everton’s starting eleven and with his high potential could continue to remain there for an entire save. With over 100 appearances for his hometown team few will be surprised to see Davies this high on the list.
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Bobby Carrol Current Ability – 82 Potential – 150
Everton are dominating this list as once again Bobby Carrol starts the game at Everton U23 side as a central midfielder. Already starting the game off with a very high workrate Carrol has the potential to become the Toffees engine within a few seasons.
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Billy Koumetio Current Ability – 75 Potential – 151
Finally a Liverpool player makes the list, Billy Koumetio, the French U17 Central defender just edges Carrol to fourth place with a potential of 151. The French center back has the potential to break into the Liverpool first team within a few years and to potentially be the man that replaces talisman Virgil Van Dijk at the heart of the Reds defence.
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Ben Godfrey Current Ability – 137 Potential – 164
It is no surprise to see the 22 year old, recently signed for a potential £25m from Norwich, in the top three for this list. Godfrey’s 164 potential puts him up there with some of the best young center backs in the FM 21, making Godfrey a player to keep an eye on for any managers.
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Layton Stewart Current Ability – 72 Potential – 170
The Liverpool U18s forward has the potential to be a clinical finisher for the Reds for years to come, with the game suggesting the Liverpool born striker could become just as key a player as Bobby Firmino, if given the right development. Not a player that should be immediately thrust into the squad but if handed the right loan move could turn into a key man for Liverpool.
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Trent Alexander-Arnold Current Ability – 160 Potential – 178
No introductions are really needed for Trent Alexander-Arnold, already a league and champions league winner at the age of 21, FM 21 predicts that the Scouser still has room for improvement despite already being one of the best Right Backs in the game.
Both sides are certainly going to be interesting to manage this year, while Everton may have the most prospects, Liverpool certainly have the best of the best in their academy waiting for the chance to make the jump.
(All images credit: Sega)
