2006 Wonderkids: Football Manager

Football Manager 2006 (FM06) was a landmark edition in the series, featuring a "Class of 2006" that included some of the greatest players in football history alongside cult legends who never quite made it in reality. The "Golden" Generation (Real-Life Superstars)

This guide highlights the essential young stars to sign if you are revisiting this classic. The "Holy Trinity" of FM06 Wonderkids football manager 2006 wonderkids

The "Must-Buy" Bargain Wonderkids

These players could be signed for relative peanuts (£1m - £10m) in the first transfer window and would become world-beaters within two seasons. Football Manager 2006 (FM06) was a landmark edition

"Perfect run," Thomas whispered to the empty room. "The golden generation." Position: D (C), DM Verdict: Before he became

2. Cesc Fàbregas (Arsenal / Spain)

• Position: D (C), DM
• Verdict: Before he became a Manchester City legend in real life, he was a defensive wall in Belgium. You could sign him for around £5M–£8M. He becomes the best defender in the world within 3 seasons.

It is late at night. The loading bar crawls across the screen. Alex's eyes scan the player search screen with practiced intensity. He is not looking for established superstars; he is looking for the cheap, the young, and the legendary.