The most fun part of FIFA 19's manager mode is buying young players for cheap and watching them grow into world-class stars, leading your club to a bonanza of trophies.
Major League Soccer has a glut of young talent just waiting to be bought and cultivated to teams across their league, from big names to relatively unknown teenagers. Here are the must-buy MLS players on FIFA 19 manager mode.
Bonafide stars you need to get ASAP
Player (position) |
Team |
Overall |
Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
Ezequiel Barco (LM) |
Atlanta United |
74 |
89 |
Alphonso Davies (LM) |
Vancouver Whitecaps |
72 |
87 |
Does Davies count? In the game, he'd have to be purchased from Bayern Munich, but, we'll keep him on this list as a technicality.
Both Davies and Barco can be used on either wing but are at their best in the game on the left side, with potential ratings that run parallel with what Barcelona's Philippe Coutinho has now. Their pace and trickery are already worthy of looks, but they will refine the rest of their skills over a few seasons in FIFA. They'll be well-rounded, world-class wingers.
As two can't-miss teenagers who have already commanded transfer fees in the double-digit millions, they won't be cheap.
Soon-to-be World Class
Player (position) |
Team |
Overall |
Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
Tyler Adams (CDM) |
New York Red Bulls |
72 |
84 |
Zack Steffen (GK) |
Columbus Crew SC |
75 |
84 |
Chris Durkin (CDM) |
D.C. United |
67 |
84 |
Diego Rossi (LW) |
LAFC |
72 |
83 |
Kaku (CAM) |
New York Red Bulls |
75 |
83 |
Andre Horta (CM) |
LAFC |
74 |
82 |
Alberth Elis (RW) |
Houston Dynamo |
75 |
82 |
Jefferson Savarino (RW) |
Real Salt Lake |
72 |
82 |
Jaylin Lindsey (RB) |
Sporting Kansas City |
61 |
80 |
Adams, Steffen and Durkin have the makings of a fantastic spine. With all the attacking talent to be had, someone has to do the dirty work in defensive midfield and the pair of Adams and Durkin make that easy.
Some of these players will be had for fantastically cheap. Lindsey, currently at 61 overall, won't cost much, ditto for Durkin.
Biggest growers
Player (position) |
Team |
Overall |
Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
Julian Dunn (CB) |
Toronto FC |
49 |
72 |
Bryan Reynolds (ST) |
FC Dallas |
51 |
73 |
Chris Goslin (CM) |
Atlanta United |
56 |
78 |
Cole Bassett (CDM) |
Colorado Rapids |
55 |
77 |
Lagos Kunga (LM) |
Atlanta United |
57 |
78 |
Ayo Akinola (ST) |
Toronto FC |
60 |
79 |
Ben Mines (RM) |
New York Red Bulls |
58 |
77 |
James Sands (CDM) |
New York City FC |
58 |
75 |
Andrew Carleton (LM) |
Atlanta United |
64 |
80 |
These are the true bargain buys, for the long-term career mode moguls that start in England's League Two or any other European league with a multi-division climb to the top. It'll take longer than the first two lists, but the payoff will be more rewarding.
Full MLS team based on highest potential
With Almiron, 24, and Martinez, 25, being young enough, the Atlanta duo will still be in their prime when the young guns start hitting their growth, allowing this team to be firing at the same time.
Central defense is a relatively weak point, but this side would score a ton of goals to compensate. And, to stretch the parameters out a bit, grabbing some formers MLSers and young USMNT stars would cement the potential side as one of the world's best.
