England are enjoying the most success of the home nations in recent years (if you can refer to a major final loss as a success) but if it’s drama and excitement you’re after then you’ll need to take a trip up to Hampden Park to watch Scotland.
The Scots will look forward to a World Cup playoff date with Ukraine with great optimism thanks to their current hot streak and the fact that the squad is punctuated with players like Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney and John McGinn playing at the top of their game at the top level.
There’s some young talent to bolster the ranks to and in this article we will be looking at five of the best Scottish wonderkids on FIFA 22 who look set to follow in the footsteps of Robertson and co.
Best Scottish Wonderkids in FIFA 22
5. Josh Doig (Hibernian: LB/LWB)
We know from watching Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney that Scotland seems to be a hotbed for talented left backs and Hibernian’s Josh Doig looks to be another one to fit that mould. Doig can definitely be described as “Robertson esque” with many of his stronger attributes focused on the attacking end of the pitch.
The Hibernian man is more of a left wing back than a full back and at the age of 19 already has sprint speed of 73, stamina of 72 and strength of 70. His crossing (64) still has plenty of room for improvement but the early signs of a decent attacking wing back are certainly there. Doig is expected to reach 79 overall at his peak, an ability that should attract the attentions of clubs in the English Premier League, if not the likes of Rangers and Celtic.
4. Nathan Patterson (Rangers: RB/RWB)
Nathan Patterson is another attacking Scottish full back attracting attention, this time on the right side. His club appearances are much more limited due to the fact that Rangers possess the best right back in Scotland in James Tavernier. Patterson sees more minutes at international level though with the 19-year-old proving recently how good he is going forward with a goal against Moldova.
Like Doig, Patterson’s strengths lie in his forward play. Although his defensive stats are solid enough (mostly in the 60s), his sprint speed (82), agility (72) and stamina (73) will see him regularly fly past the midfielder in front of him to join the attack.
They’re excited about Patterson in Scotland and his overall rating should hit 80 at his peak.
3. Elliot Anderson (Newcastle United: CAM)
Elliot Anderson has already moved south of the border (just) to Newcastle United and is an exciting talent plying his trade as an attacking midfielder. He’s yet to break through properly at first team level but aged just 19 he has plenty of time ahead of him.
He already has agility and balance to be proud of (74 and 73) and should be a tricky customer in that number 10 role behind the striker. He has a long way to go yet but, like Patterson, he should reach 80 overall at his best.
2. Aaron Hickey (Bologna: LB/LM)
Another player to have already moved south (very south) is Aaron Hickey who is a first team star at Serie A outfit Bologna. Similar to the likes of Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham, Hickey has chosen to develop his talents abroad and it’s clearly working for him!
Another forward thinking full back who can also play in midfield, Hickey is already fairly quick (72 sprint speed) as well as having very good tackling stats (73 standing, 72 sliding). His stamina (75) is his best attribute and he also possesses that Robertson esque early crossing trait.
Hickey is expected to reach an overall rating of 84.
1. Billy Gilmour (Norwich City (loan): CM)
It’ll come as very little surprise to anyone that knows Scottish football that Billy Gilmour is our number one Scottish wonderkid. The central midfielder broke through for Chelsea as a teenager and you’ve got to be good for that to happen!
Comfortable on the ball (77 balance, 76 agility) with an eye for a pass (77 short pass, 75 long pass), Gilmour has all that’s needed to be a top centre midfielder. His standing tackling of 73 and interceptions of 70 also mean he’s already a presence in there and will break up the play before finding that killer pass.
FIFA 22 projects that Gilmour will reach a top overall rating of 86, putting him on par with Rodri and Fabinho. Not bad.
