Soccer goals: With many believing that the 2009 MLS rookie class became more of an aberration than a positive trend for plentiful future drafts, as various rookies pushed for starting positions, competing well in their 2009 debut season, the 2010 edition could achieve similar status, but more well noted for a stronger midfield pool than defensive and goalkeeping prospects.
Soccer Videos: 2010 MLS Combine Review
MLS Combine 2010 Wrap from mlsinsider on Vimeo.
Conceivably, the 2010 draft class could earn great praise for its midfield prospect and attacking players, despite yielding a weakened defender and goal keeping class. Attacking options galore highlight the draft: Many MLS could strengthen the offensive side of the ball, where most teams pursue alternative options from international waters to bolster their attack.
The top tier players transcend last years crop with many debating the value of Ike Opara, Tony Tchani, and Danny Mwanga as the true number one prospect. Although it's not certain that the experts will come to an agreement on the Top three players like a United Nations commitee, let alone the Top 20 prospects. Soccer Addict News will offer its attempt to distinguish the Top 20 board for the upcoming2010 MLS Superdraft.
This list was formulated by evaluating criteria, such as long-term potential, college and international experience, skill set, and combine performance. If I were a MLS executive, this would be how my board would rank, choosing to value best player available as the preferred option.
1. Tony Tchani, M, Univ of Virginia - After a standout College cup run, the Cavalier midfielder parlayed his strong college career into a super combine. When he patrolled the midfield for the blue squad, Team Condivo simply dominated the midfield and its opponents. He is MLS ready day one.
2. Ike Opara, D, Wake Forest - Although many have him ranked numer one, his average College Cup showing, sub par U-20 World Cup play, and solid combine drop him one notch to number two. Many have him ranked as the number one and the next coming of Eddie Pope due to his rare combination of size, speed, and good touch. However, I find that his defensive instincts and positioning still need nuturing. That being said, the talent exists and will be a top pick.
3. Danny Mwanga, F, Oregon State - Good size, blazing speed, and silky skill set would aptly characterize the future Philidelphia Union first round selection. Without the opportunity to evaluate him at the combine, I ranked him below Opara with the option to increase his ranking.
4. Teal Burnburry, F, Univ of Akron - Several observers have stated that the young Zip is a better prospect than Steve Zakuani, the 2009's MLS Superdraft top selection. Boasting speed, physical frame, and immense potential questions still persist about his finishing.
5. Corben Bone, M, Wake Forest - An average College Cup performance and lackluster combine showing has dropped his stock value in many MLS circles. Considered the most creative and attacking prospect before the combine, the play maker still must find his most ideal position at the next level: Will he thrive on the wing, where he punished opponents collegiately, or will central midfield suit his skills on the next level?
6. Zach Loyd, D/M, UNC - During the college Cup, Loyd impressed as a center back, but at the next level he should shift to defensive midfielder, where he will be able to utilize his deceptive speed and strong motor to thwart attacks. In his combine performances, he demonstrated versatility, an attribute highly sought after due to small roster sizes, playing multiple positions such as wing back, defensive midfielder, and winger.
7. Amobi Okugo, M, UCLA - At the tender age of 18-years old, he demonstrated that his physical tools are well complimented with a strong skill set and soccer mind. His upside outweighs other comparable prospects due to his potential to tranfer abroad. Think a very young Maurice Edu.
8. Dilly Duka, M, Rutgers - A strong combine, coupled with an excellent showing in the U-20 World Cup, left a good taste in the mouth of many scouts. With attacking prowess and creativity considered a luxory in college prospects, Duka will not disappoint as he showed that he does not shy from a physical contact, while adding a creative flair to the game.
9. Toni Stahl, M, U Conn - Considered the most polished and ready-from-day-one MLS players (comparable to 2009 Sam Cronin but with less going forward prefering to focus on the defensive end), his combine performance was less than stellar. But in his defense, he did pick up a knock and did not play the second game. Ball-hawking, savvy, and efficient passing would best describe his skills.
10. Blair Gavin, M, Univ. of Akron - Blessed with deep play making style "a la Claudio Reyna" could surpass many on the list if he further develops his game. This Generation Adidas signee proved that he could dictate the midfield with quick passing and movement to jump start possession and attacking sequences.
11. Kwame Watson-Siriboe, D, Connecticut - earned the title of the second best central defensive prospect, falling very far from the numero uno ranked defender, Ike Opara. Could he go higher than his talent warrants if teams draft on positional or need basis?
12. Zack Schilawaski, F, Wake Forest - Although his skills could be more well suited as a winger, the shifty forward exhibited a quick burst, tenacious play, and solid runs. His hold-up play needs to improve at the next level.
13. Justin Morrow, D, Notre Dame - With left back a pressing need for virtually every MLS team, Justin Morrow might just fit the bill with his flank speed, strong motor, and potential for defensive improvement as he played left wing during his college career. Drawing similar comparisons to Kevin Alston for more reasons than his bouncy hair, Morrow eclipses all other wing back prospects by offering greater attacking qualities while offering adequate but solid defensive skills.
14. Irving Garcia, M, California-Irvine - From his first touches in the combine's first game, it was apparent that this California native knows how to play the game. Boasting the top touch and skill in the combine, many dectractors will suggest that his 5'5 frame will succumb to MLS' physical nature. MLS sides dedicated to a possession and technical aspect will receive a true steal, when they realize that the diminutive winger boasts speed, tenacious defense and sublime skill. Think Andres Guardado 2.0.
15. Jack McInerney, F, U-17 MNT - After a disappointing U-17 World Cup, the U-17 standout impressed in his recent U-20 camp and subsequently in the 2010 combine. Although I rate him above Wiedeman, Estrada, and Akpan, his best position might be as a winger or attacking midfielder as he struggles with hold-up and physical play. Playing in a 4-3-3 system like Real Salt Lake or with attack-minded coach Sigi Schmid could further expedite his development. He could become the sequel to Landon Donovan as a winger.
16. Andre Akpan, F, Harvard - A poor combine performance diminished his draft value as he was neutralized by Ike Opara. His hold-up play, thoughtful and timely runs, turns with the ball, and passing are impressive, but the danger element and finishing was absent at the combine.
17. Michael Stephens, M, UCLA - Struggled in the first two days at the combine but impressed with an inspirational and creative performance, striking the crossbar, providing team mates with service, and breaking down defenders 1v1. With his draft status dropping after a suspect combine showing, one MLS team should get value with this pick.
18. Collen Warren, M, (Portland): The best classic wide midfielder boasts speed, strong dribbling, good crossing, and a creative flair. Considered a potential Northwest hidden gem, Warren has garnered praise from many in MLS circles.
19. Brian Perk, GK, (UCLA): Although not as glamorous as Bubjona or Johnson, the US international proved his leadership and big save capability. Despite his diminuitive size in goal keeper terms, he boasts the natural instincts that the other top prospects lack.
20. David Estrada, M/F, (UCLA): scraped into the Top 20 of the list with an average combine but demonstrated nice skill and flair on occasion.
Who would you take from the first two rounds if you were an MLS executive? Will this be a comparable draft to 2009? Share your thoughts.
Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: 2010 MLS Superdraft Top 20 Prospects
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