Football Manager 2018: 10 Value For Money Signings From La Liga 

Football Manager 2018: 10 Value For Money Signings From La Liga 
17:51, 12 Nov 2017

The return of the Football Manager franchise means that the annual search for talent has whirred into action once again. A crazy summer transfer window in 2017 has left the market in a volatile state, but that certainly doesn’t mean that you can’t source some excellent players without necessarily breaking the bank. Several of the below options from within LaLiga will come at a premium - but their tender years will ensure that it is a worthwhile long-term investment. Some, plainly, are bargains waiting to be had, but you may have to wait until the summer of 2018 to get those contracts signed.

Alvaro Odriozola - 21 - RB - Real Sociedad

This young wing back has pace, and plenty of it. His top speed matches his acceleration, and his high stamina ensures that he can keep going for 90 minutes. His preferred role is as a complete wing back highlights where Odriozola is strongest - in the final third. High crossing and dribbling ensures that getting to the byline will be the young right back’s first port of call, before delivering a well-aimed cross into a dangerous area. A 35-million-euro release clause won’t seem expensive for long.

Kepa Arrizabalaga - 22 - GK - Athletic Bilbao

Blessed with excellent shot-stopping ability, reflexes is the main statistic that sticks in the memory when taking a browse through Kepa’s profile. Given that his current contract is up in the summer of 2018, however, the vultures will be circling quickly. Upon starting a career, his release clause stands at 40 million, but there could be potential to force through a much cheaper price given time constraints. Excellent when coming off his line and equally confident to command his penalty area, Kepa is undoubtedly set to be a top goalkeeper for the next decade and beyond.

Aaron Martin - 20 - LB - Espanyol

After working his way into Quique Sanchez Flores’ first-team plans gradually, Aaron Martin’s real-life progress has been reflected in FM18. In many ways, the young left back is the archetypal modern fullback, with defensive stability mixed in nicely with plenty of offensive ability. His crossing, dribbling and first touch are all adequate in order to affect the game in the final third, and his mental attributes are surprisingly well-rounded for such a young professional. Manchester City have been a name murmured with regard to his long-term future, and Aaron Martin would be a terrific buy with a lot of potential.

Fede Cartabia - 24 - RW - Deportivo

Boasting plenty of dribbling ability, flair and technique from the right-hand side, Cartabia offers an electric presence when cutting in from the wing. His left-footed nature means that he can threaten best as an inside forward from the right, but the Argentine would be equally dangerous as an out-and-out winger on the opposite flank. Although his work rate and mentality can be questionable, Deportivo have a star in Cartabia. Tracking back towards his own goal might be something that is missing, but the 24-year-old has the talent to help his struggling side edge tight encounters.

Enis Bardhi - 22 - CAM - Levante

Levante have themselves a new star this season in Enis Bardhi, and that fact is certainly reflected in his attributes in FM18. The Macedonian midfielder has fantastic free-kick taking and set pieces to call upon, as well as well-rounded creativity. Strong first touch, technique and passing ensure that Bardhi has the ability to be in control while in possession, with upper-quartile dribbling and long shots offering a more direct offensive threat too. Low wages and value make the 22-year-old a must-buy beyond the first LaLiga campaign.

Pione Sisto - 22 - RW - Celta Vigo

Armed with good acceleration, flair, dribbling and technique, Pione Sisto is one of the brighter young wingers in LaLiga. Lacks strength and is poor in the air, which is as to be expected from a tricky forward, but he makes up for his stature with fleet of foot, work rate and decent crossing. Although his delivery may need a little bit of work in training, the Danish international has the best part of a decade to become more technically proficient. 

Esteban Rolon - 22 - CM - Málaga

Brought in at La Rosaleda during the summer, in a bid to try and replace outgoing captain Ignacio Camacho in central midfield, Esteban Rolon will head into his first European season on Football Manager with a very low price tag indeed. Armed with a good balance of technique, passing ability and tackling, the young Argentine would be a useful option to play deepest in the centre of the park. Adept as a deep-lying playmaker or as a regista, Rolon has time to develop. Physically, his stats are lacking, but when in possession he looks to be a bargain given his wage and value.

Mauricio Lemos - 21 - CB - Las Palmas

Capable of playing as either a normal or ball-playing central defender, Mauricio Lemos has both the current ability and potential to be a strong top-level defender for the next decade. Aside from his first touch, the Uruguayan has got all of the attributes to be a useful link when playing out from the back. Mix that in with his pace of 15, which would enable him to easily play in a high defensive line, and Lemos is a very complete customer.

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