Remember the glory days of FIFA 17 Career Mode? It was a time when discovering hidden gems and bargain wonderkids was as thrilling as winning a packed stadium. This nostalgic guide dives into the best FIFA 17 cheap players – those affordable talents with immense potential who could transform any budget squad into a powerhouse. In FIFA 17 terms, a “cheap player” is typically one valued under €5 million, offering high growth potential and above-average stats relative to their cost. Wonderkids are young prodigies, usually in their teens or early twenties, boasting low starting ratings but exceptional ceilings for development.
Whether you’re fresh to Career Mode or revisiting the classic, this guide will help you build a competitive, budget-friendly squad packed with these promising stars. We’ll walk through clear definitions, curated position-by-position player lists, and expert scouting and training tips. Let’s relive the excitement and tactical thrill of unearthing your next club legend.
What is a “Wonderkid” and What Makes a FIFA 17 Cheap Player Special?
In FIFA 17, a “wonderkid” refers to a young player, often aged between 16 and 20, with a modest initial overall rating (OVR) but an exceptionally high potential rating, sometimes soaring into the high 80s or 90s. These players reflect real-world emerging talents who, in the game, can become world-class given proper nurturing. A cheap player, on the other hand, is defined by their affordability-usually valued below €5 million-while still offering significant potential for growth.
Such players are prized in both Career Mode and Ultimate Team for providing great value and room for progression. For example, Kylian Mbappé started as a low-rated wonderkid but had the potential to become a superstar. Below is a snapshot of some iconic FIFA 17 wonderkids who fit the bargain profile:
| Name | Age | Club | Start OVR | Potential OVR | Value (€M) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kylian Mbappé | 18 | Monaco | 70 | 90 | 1.5 |
| Youri Tielemans | 19 | Anderlecht | 65 | 88 | 2.0 |
| Ousmane Dembélé | 19 | Borussia Dortmund | 72 | 90 | 4.0 |
FIFA 17 Cheap Player Criteria: Value, Potential, and Growth
Identifying true bargains in FIFA 17 hinges on several factors, each translating into smarter investments for your Career Mode squad:
- Transfer Cost: Players priced below €5 million tend to be affordable for most starting teams.
- Wages: Low weekly wages help maintain your club’s financial health.
- Age & Starting OVR: Young talents (16-20) with a starting OVR between 60 and 72 offer room for meaningful growth.
- Potential Rating: Key to evaluating growth ceiling; top bargains often have potentials above 85.
- Skills & Traits: Essential skills like pace, dribbling, good weak foot, and skill moves enhance playability.
Here’s a comparative table of select FIFA 17 bargain wonderkids meeting these criteria:
| Name | Position | Age | Start OVR | Potential OVR | Transfer Value (€M) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kasper Dolberg | ST | 18 | 69 | 88 | 4.5 |
| Max Meyer | CM | 20 | 67 | 86 | 3.0 |
| Julian Brandt | LM | 20 | 70 | 88 | 4.8 |
Top Budget Goalkeepers to Buy in Career Mode
A bargain goalkeeper in FIFA 17 combines youth potential with key attributes like quick reactions, reflexes, and handling. Ideal cheap GKs start with a decent OVR around 65-70 but can grow into dependable starters or solid backups. Consider these notable midfielder bargains:
| Name | Club | Age | Price (€M) | Start OVR | Potential | Traits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gianluigi Donnarumma | AC Milan | 17 | 3.0 | 72 | 89 | High Reflexes |
| Alphonse Areola | Paris Saint-Germain | 23 | 4.5 | 70 | 85 | Handling & Positioning |
| Francis Uzoho | Deportivo La Coruña | 19 | 1.5 | 63 | 84 | Agility |
These keepers provide excellent value and room for growth, making them perfect for starting squads aiming to build a strong defensive base without breaking the bank.
The Best Cheap Defenders: CB, LB, and RB Bargains
Cheap defenders in FIFA 17 stand out for pace, tackling skill, physicality, and versatility. A rapid young full-back can patrol the flanks while a strong center-back anchors your defense confidently. Below are top picks by position:
Center-Backs (CB):
- Dan-Axel Zagadou (Dortmund, 18, 61 OVR, 85 Potential, €1.7M)
- Jorge Meré (Köln, 19, 68 OVR, 85 Potential, €3.5M)
Left-Backs (LB):
- Alphonso Davies (Vancouver Whitecaps, 16, 58 OVR, 88 Potential, €1.2M)
- Diego Laxalt (Milan, 20, 66 OVR, 84 Potential, €3.8M)
Right-Backs (RB):
- Jean-Kévin Augustin (RB Leipzig, 18, 67 OVR, 87 Potential, €4.0M)
- Tariq Lamptey (Brighton, 19, 62 OVR, 85 Potential, €2.2M)
Strong defensive growth offers solidity and tactical flexibility crucial for a successful Career Mode roadmap.
Midfield Marvels: Best Value CMs, CDMs, CAMs, and Wingers
Midfield bargains in FIFA 17 blend creativity, stamina, and tactical awareness. Whether controlling the tempo, breaking up attacks, or delivering key passes, these players grow fast and offer versatile roles. Popular favorites in the community included:
| Name | Position | Age | Price (€M) | Start OVR | Potential | Notable Skills |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youri Tielemans | CM | 19 | 2.0 | 65 | 88 | Passing, Long Shots |
| Max Meyer | CAM | 20 | 3.0 | 67 | 86 | Vision, Dribbling |
| Leon Bailey | RW | 19 | 4.5 | 69 | 89 | Pace, Dribbling |
| Dele Alli | CAM | 20 | 4.8 | 75 | 88 | Versatility, Shooting |
These midfield marvels can become engine rooms or creative hubs. Their ability to adapt to multiple roles speeds up your squad’s development and tactical flexibility.
The Best Cheap Attackers and Strikers: Hidden Gems Up Front
Attackers and strikers who remain cheap in FIFA 17 often combine outstanding pace, finishing, or physical power. Look for clinical finishers or rapid wingers who can consistently threaten opposition defenses without costing vast sums. Noteworthy picks include:
| Name | Position | Club | Price (€M) | Start OVR | Potential | Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kasper Dolberg | ST | Copenhagen | 4.5 | 69 | 88 | Clinical Finisher |
| Adama Traoré | RW | Aston Villa | 3.5 | 68 | 87 | Pace, Physicality |
| Ousmane Dembélé | LW | Dortmund | 4.0 | 72 | 90 | Dribbling, Trickery |
Many players loved using these attackers to exploit space and break defenses in FIFA 17’s Career Mode meta. Remember: timing and match practice boost their development.
Tips for Scouting, Signing, and Developing FIFA 17 Cheap Players
Mastering the value of cheap players demands smart scouting and development strategies:
- Spot Bargains Early: Focus scouting on under-scouted regions like Belgium, the Netherlands, and French lower leagues where wonderkids often hide.
- Contract & Transfer Timing: Target players with expiring contracts for favorable deals or low release clauses.
- Training Focus: Use focused training drills to improve key attributes like pace, finishing, or defensive skills — tailor to player position.
- Loan Strategy: Send young players on loan to gain experience if your squad lacks space or competitive minutes.
- Sell High: After nurturing, sell players at peak value to reinvest in new talents if you are managing a lower-budget team.
Applying these tips helps you maximize ROI from your cheap signings and build sustainable squads season after season.
Frequently Asked Questions about FIFA 17 Cheap Players
What are the best ways to use cheap players in my squad? Integrate them gradually into your first team while providing consistent playtime and training. Pair them with experienced leaders to accelerate growth.
Can “cheap players” become world-class in FIFA 17 Career Mode? Yes, many cheap wonderkids have the potential to reach or exceed 85 OVR, developing into world-class performers if nurtured properly.
How do “cheap players” compare to signing more expensive stars? While stars deliver immediate impact, cheap players offer long-term value through growth potential, allowing budget teams to compete sustainably.
Glossary: Essential Terms in FIFA 17 Career Mode & Player Stats
OVR: Overall rating indicating current player ability.
Potential: Maximum achievable rating with training and game time.
Wonderkid: Young player with high potential but low starting rating.
Transfer Value: Estimated cost to buy a player.
Wage: Weekly salary paid to a player.
Skill Moves: Number of special dribbling tricks a player can perform.
Weak Foot: Ability to use the non-dominant foot effectively.
Why Trust This FIFA 17 Cheap Player Guide? Sources, Community, and Nostalgia
This guide is grounded in data sourced from trusted FIFA 17 databases and community hubs such as Futhead, Reddit FIFA forums, and official EA channels. Drawing on years of player tracking and community consensus, it reflects both the early scouting ethos and the evolution of legendary Career Mode strategies. Our aim is to empower FIFA managers with actionable insights, blending nostalgia with practical advice to enrich your gameplay experience.
Conclusion
FIFA 17 Career Mode still holds a special place for players who love the thrill of scouting hidden gems and turning them into superstars. Cheap players and wonderkids are the heart of this experience – affordable signings with massive growth potential who can redefine your squad’s future. From promising defenders like Zagadou, to creative midfielders like Tielemans, and explosive forwards like Dolberg or Dembélé, the right bargain buys can make managing on a budget just as exciting as lifting trophies.
Success in FIFA 17 Career Mode isn’t only about who you buy, but how you develop them. Smart scouting, targeted training drills, and strategic loan spells transform raw talents into reliable first-team players. These wonderkids aren’t just cheap options – they’re investments that pay off in long-term squad depth, financial sustainability, and unforgettable gameplay moments.
Quick Recap – Why Cheap Players Matter in FIFA 17:
- Affordable talents under €5M with high potential ratings (85+).
- Ideal for budget squads needing future stars.
- Balanced mix of positions: goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and attackers.
- Best used with consistent training and gradual integration into the first team.
Whether you’re reliving Career Mode nostalgia or building a new dynasty, mastering the art of cheap signings and wonderkids will keep your journey exciting season after season. So go ahead — scout wisely, invest smartly, and turn those €2M bargains into club legends.
For more classic FIFA guides, wonderkid lists, and Career Mode strategies, remember to check back often at Softbuzz – your trusted hub for gaming tips and hidden gems.
