We look at some of the best and worst predictions from Football Manager 2012, including players from Leeds United and Chelsea and Arsenal.
If you've ever played Football Manager, you know that every year the game selects certain players who, over the course of the seasons, become some of the best in the world. Over the years, the game has managed to predict a number of top young players before many knew about them. But they've not always been completely successful...
Freddy Adu looks dejected
HITC Sport is taking a look at some of the wonderkids predicted to do great things in Football Manager 2012, and seeing where they are now.
1. Mario Gotze
Mario Gotze - Germany celebrates
At the time, the German midfielder was just 19-years-old, and still playing for Borussia Dortmund under the now Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp. Since the release of the game, Gotze has moved to German powerhouse Bayern Munich, won numerous titles, and even scored the World Cup winning goal in the recent final against Argentina. The midfielder has since moved back to Borussia Dortmund, and is currently out with an illness.
2. Kurt Zouma
Chelsea's Kurt Zouma
The central defender was still playing for French side Saint Etienne when the game was released, but has since moved to Chelsea and has shown glimpses of a potentially world class defender. A lengthy leg injury has kept the Frenchman out of action, but as he slowly works his way back into the team, Kurt Zouma is still a huge prospect.
3. Neymar
Barcelona's Neymar
Playing for Brazilian side Santos at the time, it wasn't just Football Manager who was predicting a big future for Neymar; and now the attacker is a household name to most football fans. Making up the most lethal front three in the world, along with team mates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez; Neymar is one of the biggest names in world football, and is expected to achieve great things at Barcelona.
4. Adryan
Adryan of Leeds United
Hard to believe that former Leeds United attacker Adryan was rated in the same bracket as Neymar in Football Manager 2012, isn't it? The attacker was seriously hyped up when he came to Elland Road, but his highlights only included one of the most dramatic dives in football history when Leeds United met Derby County. The forward is now back at parent club Flamengo after a loan spell with Ligue 1 side, Nantes.
5. Yaya Sanogo
Arsenal's Yaya Sanogo
Still with French club Auxerre in 2012, Yaya Sanogo was tipped for big things by Football Manager 2012, and joined Arsene Wenger's Arsenal in 2013. Things haven't worked out for the big forward at the Emirates however, and subsequent loan spells to Crystal Palace, Ajax and Charlton Athletic. The striker is now back with Arsenal.
6. Jack Wilshere
England's Jack Wilshere during training
The England midfielder has been hyped up by people all over the place, and for a long time Jack Wilshere looked like the next big star to emerge in an Arsenal shirt, following the likes of Thierry Henry, Cesc Fabregas and Robin Van Persie. However, after struggling with consecutive injuries, the Arsenal midfielder has struggled to cement a place in Arsene Wenger's side, and joined Eddie Howe's Bournemouth on loan this season. After failing to take the South Coast side by storm, the future for Jack Wilshere at Arsenal is unclear.
Bournemouth's Jack Wilshere
Have something to tell us about this article?
