Every year Football Manager provides us with a number of affordable yet quality players for our teams. This year has prove no different with the demo already proving that yet again there's a large range of bargains available for us to sign. Having spent a good amount of time scouting players after swiftly finishing my demo save I've compiled a 'Budget XI' team, listing some of the best bargains available for your team.

Goalkeeper: Timo Hildebrand - Free

There's no doubt that Timo Hildebrand has the attributes to be not only the best cheap goalkeeper, but one of the best goalkeepers available this year. A free transfer at the age of 32, Hildebrand comes with great experience which in my opinion is vital for a goalkeeper and some fantastic attributes for a player that will cost you nothing. You'll have to snap him up quickly however with a number of top teams ready to offer him a contract.

Right Back: Carlos Diogo - Free

Another free player having previously played for Zaragoza, Carlos Diogo is still only 27 years of age and could do a great job for any top team. With great all round attributes (only two of them under 10) Carlos will be in hot demand with a number of teams chasing his signature. With relatively low wage demands and willingness to come to lower clubs Carlos could be a great capture this year.

Center Back: Marco Materazzi - Free

At 37 years of age Marco Materazzi is a player I'm sure you would have all heard of. With a career filled with controversy there's no doubting the Italian's quality having played for Inter Milan for over 10 years. With fantastic experience and great attributes mentally Materazzi could play an important role for any mid-table teams despite his obviously low speed. With the likes of Palermo ready to snap him up Materazzi could be a key signing for lower/mid table teams.

Center Back: Arne Friedrich – Free

Injured for 3-4 months at the beginning of the game, you'll have to wait before signing the experienced German, but I'm pretty sure he'll be worth it. At the age of 32 Friedrich has everything you could want for a defender with fantastic tackling, marking, anticipation and pace amongst other great attributes. With over 80 caps for Germany I feel should he become and remain fit for your side Arne Friedrich could be a great player for any side.

Left Back: Timothee Atouba - Free

At 29 years of age Atouba is experienced yet has a number of years left in him following his departure from Ajax. The attacking full back has a range of fantastic attributes and has the capability to be a good addition for any side, particularly for those lower-mid table sides in need of defenders.

Right Midfield: El-Hadji Diouf – Free

Another player with a career surrounded in controversy, Diouf was released by Blackburn after falling out with manager Steve Kean. Diouf is still a very accomplished player with some good attributes for a player available for a free meaning he could be a useful addition to any mid-table side, or a very good addition to a lower one.

Center Midfield: Mahamadou Diarra – Free

Probably the biggest name available on a free transfer, Diarra has seemingly fell out of the limelight in recent years, being released from a relegated Monaco from who he signed for having previously played for the likes of Real Madrid and Lyon. A hard-working, tough tackling defensive midfielder, Diarra still has great ability and attributes to be a useful squad player at some top sides, or an excellent addition for a lower one.

Center Midfield: Pablo Garcia – 625k

The first listed player that will set you back in terms of a transfer fee, although with his experience and excellent attributes Pablo Garcia could be a fantastic player for any lower/mid table side. With fantastic mental attributes as well as great strength and marking, he can provide grit and hard-work in the center of the field.

Left Midfield: Andres Guardado – 1.8m

In comparison to the rest of the list Guardado comes at a slightly great cost but in comparison to other quality players Guardado has to be one of my favourite signings available this year. At only 24 years of age he seems to have been around for much longer with 59 caps for Mexico. Always being relatively cheap on previous versions of FM, Andres Guardado provides excellent value for money with quality attributes and fantastic potential, a must buy for any team in my opinion.

Striker: Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink – Free

Having moved to Austria after a career at the likes of Celtic, PSV and FC Twente, JVOH is once again available as a free transfer and has the attributes to be a great target man for a lower team. With great heading, influence and teamwork he is guaranteed to put in a great shift up front for an lower team with invaluable experience and composure in front of goal.

Striker: Jelle Vossen – 1.5m

Alongside Guardado, Vossen has been one of my favourite cheap players from the previous FM. Available for just over 1 million Vossen has fantastic mental attributes and finishing. Despite not being the fastest of strikers, Vossen reminds me of Ruud van Nistelrooy and his style of play. Always working and popping up in the right positions, the young Belgian is clinical in front of goal and will be a bargain buy for any team.


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