Top Strikers in FM23

In Football Manager 2023, the striker position defines your team’s attacking prowess. A world-class forward can turn average squads into trophy contenders by consistently finding the net. This guide dives deep into the game’s standout strikers, categorizing them by experience level, potential, and affordability. Whether you’re managing a Premier League giant or a lower-division underdog, these players offer diverse options to suit any budget and tactical setup.

Understanding Striker Roles in FM23

Strikers in FM23 aren’t one-size-fits-all. The game’s positional ratings, like the ‘ST’ attribute, indicate natural aptitude for the central forward role. Top-rated players boast perfect scores here, meaning they excel in finishing, movement, and composure under pressure. Key attributes to prioritize include pace, acceleration, finishing, off-the-ball movement, and anticipation. Tactics play a huge role too—poachers thrive in counter-attacking systems, while complete forwards shine as target men in possession-based play.

Scouting effectively is crucial. Use the in-game editor or community databases to filter by current ability (CA) and potential ability (PA). High PA wonderkids (often 150+ PA) represent long-term investments, while veterans provide immediate impact.

Elite Established Strikers: Instant Impact Stars

For managers needing goals right away, established pros deliver reliability. These players combine high CA with proven goal-scoring records, often available at realistic transfer fees.

• Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting: At Bayern Munich, this veteran offers elite finishing and aerial ability. His experience makes him a plug-and-play option for big clubs.
• Max Kruse: As a free agent, he’s a bargain with sharp instincts and free-kick prowess. Ideal for mid-table teams on tight budgets.
• Ihlas Bebou: Hoffenheim’s speed demon excels on the counter. His £10-15m price tag yields high resale value.

These strikers average 20+ goals per season in simulations, per community testing. Pair them with creative midfielders for maximum output.

Wonderkid Strikers: Future Superstars

FM23’s wonderkids are the real prizes. Young talents with sky-high PA can develop into 5-star players, dominating for a decade. Focus on those under 21 with strong mental attributes for rapid growth.

Sesko tops many lists for his physicality and goal instinct, often hitting 30+ goals by age 23 in saves. Roque’s technical flair suits tiki-taka styles, while Fofana’s raw athleticism overwhelms defenses.

Budget-Friendly Forwards: Value Gems Under £10M

Not every save starts with unlimited funds. These affordable options punch above their weight, offering great CA/PA ratios.

• Ezequiel Ponce: Affordable with solid finishing; perfect for Championship sides.
• Enner Valencia: Everton’s veteran provides leadership and goals on a shoestring budget.
• Luis Suarez: The icon’s twilight years still yield double-digit goals at minimal cost.
• Sebastian Driussi: Versatile attacker from Austin FC, excels in MLS imports.

Community saves show these players averaging 15-20 goals, making them steals for promotion pushes.

Tactical Tips for Maximizing Your Striker

Signing the player is half the battle. Optimize with these strategies:

1. Player Instructions: Set poachers to ‘Stay Central’ and ‘Move Into Channels’; target men to ‘Hold Up Ball’.
2. Training Focus: Prioritize finishing and aerial drills for strikers; use individual training for weak attributes.
3. Partnerships: Pair fast strikers with deep-lying forwards or inside forwards for overloads.
4. Rotation: Avoid fatigue in busy schedules; loan wonderkids for development.

In meta tactics like 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, strikers with high work rate contribute defensively too.

Meta Strikers: Overpowered Picks for Competitive Saves

YouTube creators highlight ‘broken’ strikers that exploit FM23’s engine. Alexander Isak leads for his all-around stats, scoring relentlessly. Others like Hendrick (likely a typo for a top hidden gem) dominate lower leagues before exploding. Test in holiday speedruns for proof—these picks win leagues single-handedly.

Scouting and Signing Strategies

Expand your search globally: South America for wonderkids, Scandinavia for value. Use agents and scouts with high judging potential. Negotiate installments for big fees. In FM23, patience pays—many stars become available post-season.

Track PA via editor files from sites like Sortitoutsi for informed decisions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-relying on one striker without backups.
• Ignoring mentality—lazy forwards flop in high-press systems.
• Neglecting youth intake; your own wonderkids can rival lists.

FAQs

Who is the best wonderkid striker in FM23?

Benjamin Sesko or Datro Fofana top most lists for their explosive potential and immediate impact.

Best free or cheap strikers?

Max Kruse (free) and budget buys like Ponce offer huge value.

How to develop young strikers quickly?

Mentor with veterans, loan to good leagues, and focus training on key attributes.

Are there OP strikers for lower leagues?

Yes, players like Enner Valencia adapt well and score prolifically.

FM23 vs. later versions?

FM23’s database favors physical strikers; updates refined AI but core talents remain strong.