15 Football Manager Wonderkids Who Didn't Live Up To Expectations

2. Freddy Adu

Probably one of the most heavily scrutinised young players for generations, Freddy Adu was awkwardly labelled the 'next Pele' at the tender age of just 14. His physique was extremely advanced for his tender age, meaning he could compete with much older players. He made his MLS debut at the age of 14 and very promptly became the hope of an entire nation. Hugely lucrative sponsorships beckoned and eyes were cast from some of the biggest clubs in world football, which undoubtedly had an impact on the young Adu. He famously had a trial at Manchester United but nothing was to materialise and Adu joined Benfica in the Portuguese capital Lisbon. He spent a total of four years with the Portuguese giants, undergoing four loan moves but never really getting going during any of them. Adu returned to the MLS in 2011 with Philadelphia Union and everyone hoped he would finally start to live up to his promise. Sadly, the fairy tale was not to be and after a year of mediocre performances (on a more-than-healthy contract), Adu found himself farmed out to Brazil with Bahia. After his stint in South America, the one-time phenom recently had a failed trial with Blackpool in the Championship, which must have been really difficult for him to take for a man who once had the world at his feet. There is still time for him to turn his career around though and perhaps go on to fulfil his potential - remember, despite this seemingly long career, he's still only 24) and we think a lot of football fans would love to see him do well. In game Freddy Adu was an absolute marvel, a player you could sign cheaply due to his age and would guarantee rapid progression. He has become very much an icon, both in-game and in reality, but it's incredibly sad to see the polarising fates of many virtual Adus, as opposed to the real one. He would perhaps make the top spot for many but we feel there is one other player who has become an even greater legend within the virtual management community.