The latest Football Manager data update has come with several goodies for fans of the popular game to enjoy.
In addition to all the major January transfers, the recent update has also seen thousands of players across the world have their ability levels adjusted based on their current real-life performances.
Several players, including Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, have hit new strides this season, proving pivotal to the ambitions of their respective clubs thus far.
With that in mind, here are five of the most improved players in the winter update that football managers should keep an eye out for.
Josko Gvardiol
One of the most sought-after defenders following his exploits at the 2022 World Cup, Josko Gvardiol’s impressive performances has seen a significant increase in his FM23 ratings.
The Croatian has a contract with RB Leipzig until 2027. But the Germans may struggle to keep hold of him beyond this season, with several European heavy spenders readying their chequebooks ahead of the summer transfer window.
Gvardiol has been lauded for his impressive ball-playing ability. The 21-year-old is also strong and assured in tackles and capable of playing in a back four or three.
He is undoubtedly someone any manager would want to build their team around, but Leipzig managers in the football game will have their hands full trying to keep the player.
Randal Kolo Muani
Randal Kolo Muani has proven a shrewd transfer for Eintracht Frankfurt after recording 16 goals and 14 assists in 33 appearances for the Bundesliga side this term.
Having joined the Germans on a free transfer from Ligue 1 side Nantes, the versatile forward has burst onto the European scene, establishing himself as one of the hottest prospects around in just his debut campaign.
Capable of playing anywhere across the front three, Kolo Muani scores and sets up goals for fun, proving a headache for opposition defenders.
His impressive displays for Frankfurt and France at the 2022 World Cup have been met with a well-deserved ability increase in FM23.
Ademola Lookman
After enduring challenging spells in England and Germany, Ademola Lookman has reinvented himself with Atalanta in the Serie A, turning into a serial goal machine for La Dea.
With 19 goal contributions in 26 games, the Nigerian international has established himself as a lethal weapon for the Italians.
His performances this season have warranted an upgrade to several of his attributes in FM23, and he is poised to carry on his scoring form for managers in the game.
Kaoru Mitoma
Kaoru Mitoma has been nothing short of a revelation for Brighton & Hove Albion this season. The Japanese forward has been the club’s best player, with an impressive 12-goal contribution in 24 games thus far.
The 25-year-old has been decisive and is one of the leading figures as Roberto De Zerbi’s side chase a fairytale European finish to an already memorable season.
Mitoma’s ability has been adjusted to reflect his impressive breakthrough campaign. Several of his key attributes have been improved, with notable increases in his dribbling, which now sits at 18.
Evan Ferguson
Another one of Brighton’s diamonds in the rough who has grabbed his first team chance with both hands, Evan Ferguson is well on his way to being the next big thing in the English top flight.
The 18-year-old became the youngest Irish and Brighton goalscorer in top-flight history last December, and with seven-goal contributions in just 13 appearances, the teenager has forced his way into De Zerbi’s reckoning.
Ferguson is one of the hottest youngsters in FM23, and Brighton’s biggest jump in current ability is seen in the young striker to go with his stunning breakout campaign.
