Football Manager 2017: 20 Essential Signings You Should Always Make

16. Adrien Silva

Age: 27

Club: Sporting Lisbon

Position: M (C)

Approx. Cost: £18m

Sporting's Adrien Silva isn't the most glamorous player in the world, but benefits from being a world-class box-to-box midfielder in a game lacking in such players. Silva's very close to his peak years, but he's an excellent all-round performer with unbelievably good mental statistics, and solid technical attributes across the board.

He's just as capable when playing as a basic ball-winner, but that particularly role doesn't make the best of his outstanding work ethic, drive, and intelligence.