Who are the most important midfielders in Texas?
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The PrepSoccer Player Rankings for Texas’ Class of 2026 were released this week. This is the first ranking for this class as PrepSoccer prepares for a national rankings release for this class in the spring. The Texas Class of 2026…
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Continue ReadingThe PrepSoccer Player Rankings for Texas’ Class of 2026 were released this week. This is the first ranking for this class as PrepSoccer prepares for a national rankings release for this class in the spring.
The Texas Class of 2026 features much of the top talent in the country in the midfield position.
McLanahan is a new addition to Texas, as she joined the stacked Solar SC 06 ECNL team during the offseason. She is an attacking midfielder who can also play as a forward. She has all the traits that you want from an attacking midfielder. Great first touch, clever on the ball, and excellent vision. She is playing alongside the best 2024s in the country and still making an impact. When she drops down to play with the Solar 07, she takes over the game.
Alvarez is one of those players who jumps off the screen on game film. She is the defensive midfielder for the FC Dallas squad, which is normally an unheralded role. However, Alvarez is so influential that it’s hard to watch FC Dallas and not sing her praises. She is the general of that midfield. She sets the tone with her defensive work rate as she covers so much ground it almost seems like there are two players on the field with her jersey on. She is excellent as The number of players who are as impactful to their team as Alvarez is to FC Dallas 08 ECNL is a very small list. It feels like there are two players wearing her jersey on the field sometimes because she is everywhere. She is the best defensive midfielder in the state at the open field tackle. Alvarez has an incredibly high ceiling and will be a player all scouts should watch this fall.
Johnson might get lost in the shuffle on the Solar 08 ECNL team – she is surrounded by players with YNT appearances. However, it’s easy to see why she is always in the lineup. Johnson is as consistent as they come. She does the little things well and seems to take pride in them – her tactical approach combined with her technical foundation is impressive. She is always making the right pass to the right foot to help her teammate get into a better attacking spot or she is timing her support defensively so she can double a winger at the precise moment they turn into her. Johnson’s role on the team is almost irreplaceable for how she glues everything together. Beyond her overall contributions, she is also a standout on set pieces and hits a great dead ball.
Highlights
Ferrell is a center midfielder on the Sting Austin 07 ECNL team. Her highlight reel is basically watch me score or assist against every team in the Texas Conference during the last season. It’s a good representation of how she shows up in every game for her team – and the type of impact she provides on the field. She is more of a defensive midfielder, but she could easily be considered a box-to-box player. She has a good first touch and nimble footwork. In the attacking half, she has a great shot and can put the ball on frame from anywhere inside of 35 yards. She is not afraid to shoot with either foot, but stronger with her right. She is a big time prospect for the position.
Highlights
The Irish-American center midfielder is an exciting prospect from Texas. She is a standout for Lonestar in the Girls Academy and Sting Austin when she plays in the ECNL. I thought her performances for the Ireland U16 National Team was the best example of her potential at the next level. She disrupted the play in the midfield, quickly connected passes, and she was unlucky not to score – a Swiss defender blocked the effort. Newell is one to watch this Spring.
Highlights
Traub is listed as the No. 2 midfielder in the state, but she is clearly the No. 1 defensive midfielder for this class – arguably in the country. Traub has been a standout for FC Dallas for some time and would probably be a top prospect in the 2025 class too based on her play in the 07 age group. She’s a relentless defender, accurate passer, and smart player. She is always in the right position. She wins possession of the ball, and then keeps possession for her team. She’s quick and sharp with her movement. Traub has the qualities to suggest she will be a star at the next level in her role.
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Strawn is an attacking midfielder for the Solar 07 ECNL team. She is good on the ball with close control. She makes good decisions and has excellent vision. She is capable of providing the key pass to break down the defense. She seems like a player who would be great in a counter attack system. Listed as forward, but I saw her playing attacking mid.
Feagin has good close control. She is a left footed box to box midfielder. On game film, she shows good game awareness with checking her shoulders before receiving the ball. Combines well with her teammates. She played up with the 05s.
Highlights
Love the effort from Magnuson. She is listed as a forward but saw her play defensive midfielder. She has a lot of traits that stand out for that position. She’s a strong defender when man-marking. She is fully committed to her task – when she is asked to man-mark she will follow and hound the opponent. She’s a good team player.