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

11. Antony Vanden Borre

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3vEkil0S40 This Belgian wonderkid came through the famed Anderlecht youth academy, round about the same time as one certain Vincent Kompany. Sadly for Vanden Borre, he hasn't managed to get close to his former youth teammate's achievements. Having appeared on the game at the age of 16 with already extremely developed stats, he was an obvious choice for any canny manager. Best of all, he could play in quite a few positions, including centrally and on the right of both defence and midfield. Perhaps like a lot of utility men, this may have been part of his downfall. Having left Anderlecht for Italy with Fiorentina and subsequently 'enjoying' spells with Genoa, Portsmouth and Genk, Vanden Borre never really managed to cement a consistent starting 11 spot. However, having returned to Belgium this season with Anderlecht, he has made 29 appearances in all competitions and managed to rack up 6 assists. Yet despite never really finding his 'spot', Antony Vanden Borre will always be remembered by FM fans as a stand-out wonderkid of the series. He was very well-rounded in his abilities, as well as being consistent and versatile. All these things meant he became a very important part of whichever team you bought him for, often able to fill in at a moment's notice and offer supreme defensive solidity. Still, seeing as though he is only just past his mid-twenties a rejuvenation back in Anderlecht could perhaps see the Belgian's potential finally realised. It would be great to see him do well and reach the dizzy heights his FM wonderkid tag once predicted for him.