While defense remains a key part of the job, today’s left backs are also expected to support attacks, deliver crosses, and cover huge areas of the pitch. Let’s review some of the most promising young LBs in FC25 who can give your squad both short-term boosts and long-term stability.
High-Growth Left Back Players
| Player | Age | Club | OVR | POT | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcos Luna | 17 | Real Zaragoza | 64 | 82 | €1M |
| Nico Marcipar | 16 | Barcelona B | 63 | 81 | €850K |
High-Growth Left Back Player Insights:
Luna is a long-term project. His low OVR means he’ll need dedicated growth plans like “Defensive Wide Back” and consistent loan spells. Managers who give him 20+ matches per season, plus targeted training sessions, will see him blossom into a reliable starter by his early twenties.
Marcipar represents one of the most exciting ultra-long-term growth projects. With one of the lowest starting OVRs, he demands patience. Incorporating him into cup matches, loans, and focused defensive training will maximize his development curve.
After several Career Mode seasons, both Luna and Marcipar proved to be solid long-term investments. Luna’s growth was especially impressive after two loan spells in the Spanish second division, while Marcipar flourished after being promoted to the first team around age 19. Both players offer satisfying growth curves for managers who enjoy developing talent from the ground up.
Top Wonderkid LBs in FC25 (Elite Tier)
| Player | Age | Club | OVR | POT | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milos Kerkez | 20 | Bournemouth | 79 | 86 | €30M |
| Patrick Dorgu | 19 | Lecce | 75 | 85 | €15M |
| Alejandro Balde | 21 | FC Barcelona | 84 | 90 | €65M |
| Valentin Barco | 20 | Brighton & Hove Albion | 76 | 86 | €20M |
| Destiny Udogie | 21 | Tottenham Hotspur | 81 | 88 | €45M |
Top Left Back Player Insights:
Kerkez is a hidden gem. His work rate and aggression allow him to bomb up and down the flank for 90 minutes. Though not as technically gifted as some of his peers, his defensive awareness and stamina shine in big matches. With focused passing and positioning training, Kerkez transforms into a reliable LB for European and domestic competitions.
Dorgu is perfect for managers who enjoy hands-on development. His athleticism is top-tier, and with the right growth plan, he becomes a versatile LB who can contribute on both ends of the pitch. Lecce’s affordable transfer fee makes him an appealing option for both mid-table and top-tier teams.

The standout of the bunch, Balde blends explosive pace with silky dribbling and exceptional composure. His versatility allows him to thrive in both attacking and defensive setups, making him an all-rounder capable of dominating the left flank for years to come.
Barco brings flair and creativity to the LB role, almost like a deep-lying playmaker. His South American flair mixed with Premier League toughness makes him a fantastic choice for teams that lean on possession-heavy, overlapping fullback tactics.
Udogie is a physical and technically balanced LB. His combination of tackling, strength, and offensive support makes him effective in various tactical setups. Reliable against top-tier opposition, Udogie develops rapidly with consistent game time, becoming a fixture for teams competing on multiple fronts.
Best Budget Wonderkid LBs
| Player | Age | Club | OVR | POT | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jesus Vazquez | 21 | Valencia | 74 | 82 | €7M |
| Caleb Wiley | 18 | Chelsea | 70 | 83 | €4M |
| Jorrel Hato | 18 | Ajax | 76 | 85 | €12M |
Budget Left Back Player Insights:
Vazquez is a low-cost option who delivers reliable performances. His pace and crossing make him suitable for backup roles at big clubs or starting roles at mid-table squads.
Wiley offers high agility and acceleration but needs strong defensive coaching. With proper development and enough match time, he can evolve into a solid long-term starter.
Hato offers positional flexibility, as he can also play center back. His composure and passing range make him a smart pick for possession-based managers.
Comparison Table
| Player | Age | Club | OVR | POT | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alejandro Balde | 21 | FC Barcelona | 84 | 90 | €65M |
| Destiny Udogie | 21 | Tottenham Hotspur | 81 | 88 | €45M |
| Milos Kerkez | 20 | Bournemouth | 79 | 86 | €30M |
| Patrick Dorgu | 19 | Lecce | 75 | 85 | €15M |
| Valentin Barco | 20 | Brighton & Hove Albion | 76 | 86 | €20M |
| Jorrel Hato | 18 | Ajax | 76 | 85 | €12M |
| Caleb Wiley | 18 | Chelsea | 70 | 83 | €4M |
| Jesus Vazquez | 21 | Valencia | 74 | 82 | €7M |
| Marcos Luna | 17 | Real Zaragoza | 64 | 82 | €1M |
| Nico Marcipar | 16 | Barcelona B | 63 | 81 | €850K |
Career Mode Tips for Developing Left Backs
Developing young left backs in Career Mode takes more than giving them minutes on the pitch. A strong plan, steady game time, focused training, and tactical roles are all key. The following tips cover the best ways to turn LB prospects into top performers.
Setting Up Development Plans
The first step in developing young left backs is choosing the right development plan. Begin with the “Balanced” plan to ensure broad growth across key areas like stamina, sprint speed, and dribbling. Once a player is integrated into your system, shift to specialized paths depending on your tactical approach. Use “Attacking Wide Back” for fullbacks who will push forward into the attack, or “Inverted Wide Back” for those playing a more central role in buildup play. This allows their growth to mirror your system’s tactical demands.

Game Time & Experience
Consistent match experience is crucial for growth. Integrate your young fullbacks into league matches, cup fixtures, and preseason tournaments to maximize their minutes. If they can’t find enough playing time in your squad, sending them on loan to a club where they’ll feature regularly is essential. Monitor loan progress closely and recall them if necessary. Additionally, mentorship groups are highly effective, pair your youth prospects with seasoned defenders to accelerate growth in mental attributes like composure, positioning, and defensive awareness.
Assignments & Potential
Tactical instructions play a key role in fine-tuning development. Assign roles such as “Always Overlap” or “Join Attack” to align their in-game experience with their growth path. Focus early attribute training on physical traits like speed and stamina, then gradually transition to improving technical skills like crossing, short passing, and defensive positioning as they mature. Pay attention to standout performances, as exceptional displays in major competitions or international fixtures can trigger dynamic potential boosts, raising their long-term ceiling significantly.
Final Thoughts
In FC25 Career Mode, developing left backs requires both patience and smart planning. Managers can chase elite options like Balde or nurture raw talents like Marcipar for future payoff. With the right development plans and steady minutes, even low-rated prospects can grow into world-class starters. No matter your budget or strategy, Career Mode offers exciting LB options for every type of save.
FC 25

