Football Manager 2022: 10 Spanish Wonderkids You Must Sign

Sticking with defensive midfielders, we now go to one that has a slightly different style than his predecessor on this list.

Nico is another exciting product of La Masia who has started to get a lot of first-team minutes ever since Xavi took over the helm from Ronald Koeman. The 19-year-old made 24 appearances, netting two goals and adding one assist. A great return for a player that usually plays at the bottom of a midfield three.

His debut came in August when he was subbed on for Sergio Busquets, and that seems fitting, as Busquets is somebody that Nico is very reminiscent of. Tall and strong, he can be a controlling presence in the centre of the pitch, but he still has a good enough touch and passing ability to escape pressure and create for his team.

He is also mature beyond his age and it wouldn't be too hard to imagine him with the captain's armband. That being said, there is still significant room for improvement, but if he continues his development, he could easily become one of the best deep-lying midfielders in Football Manager 2022.

To get Nico to join, you would probably have to be very persuasive, but even before that you would have to settle terms with Barcelona. For that, expect to spend between £13 - 38 million.