Five 2024 Boys DMV Players To Know From National Rankings
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As we continue to build the Washington D.C. Metro Virginia presence here on Prep Soccer we wanted to provide a little more in depth analysis on some of the top boys 2024 players from the region who are currently ranked…
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Continue ReadingAs we continue to build the Washington D.C. Metro Virginia presence here on Prep Soccer we wanted to provide a little more in depth analysis on some of the top boys 2024 players from the region who are currently ranked in PrepSoccer’s National Rankings!
You can check out the full rankings here. If you want to learn more about the rankings process, here.
Much like Alem, Peacock seems destined to getting signed by United this winter. His performance in last year’s MLS Next Cup, a clean sheet against a very talented Strikers FC side, helped raise his stock quite a bit. As he showed in that match, he has a flair for the dramatic as he can make very difficult diving stops look ordinary. But it is his technical skills that really set him apart. His timing in terms of deliveries throws and punts have made him an expert at managing narrow leads this season. He is also very effective at organizing United’s backline. With Bill Hamid leaving and the senior club only having one goalkeeper under contract, Peacock may soon be earning a promotion.
The leader of United’s defense, Papez is an expert tackler and excellent at building possession from the back. Depending upon the opponent, he switches defensive midfield and center-back. That he can play both at a high level while also contributing to the attack makes him a very well-rounded player. In terms of his passing, he has a very good sense of timing and will either push ahead or wait depending upon how the opposition sets up. His pace makes him one of the better midfielders in MLS Next. Also, keep an eye out for him on set pieces as he is very comfortable making leaping efforts in dangerous places.
Smith is the leader of a very talented Pipeline SC side that has been at the top of the ECNL North Atlantic Standings over the past few seasons. He is an aggressive attacking midfielder that likes to take on multiple defenders while also creating opportunities for his teammates in newly opened space. In terms of his shooting, he is comfortable at taking shots from both long range and also closely inside the box. The John Carroll High School player was also recently called into the USYNT ID Camp last September.
Belal is the leader of one of the top high school sides in Maryland at Calvert Hall and has had a strong campaign for MLS Next side Baltimore Armour over the past few seasons. At striker he can create his own shot and is extremely comfortable serving as a holding forward, delivering pinpoint passes to his teammates. His speed also helps both his High School side and club side run the counter-attack effectively. What will be interesting to see heading into the club season is how additional responsibilities at Calvert Hall have helped him as a leader and what he can apply to Armour.