Who are the top players for FC Cincinnati U-17s?
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FCCs U-17 team is one of the weaker MLS teams in MLS Next. While they do have a homegrown player in Stiven Jiminez, there are not any youth national team players and I don’t see any players with the potential to have a huge impact on FC Cincinnati’s first team. I could be wrong as development paths are not linear, but as it stands today, I don’t see a super high ceiling for this group.
My grading system
I use a numerical scoring framework to grade players. I look at what I consider to be the most important traits and skills for each position and apply a numerical value to each of those categories. I take into account the age of the player when grading for each category. The categories include physical traits, technical ability, intellectual understanding of the game and their mentality in how they approach the game. I average those individual scores in order to generate a holistic grade of the player. The score helps me identify what tier of prospect a player is.
Tier 1: A high impact player with all the tools to be a first choice youth national team selection and an obvious homegrown contract candidate.
Tier 2: A very good youth prospect that should likely get youth national team consideration and a potential homegrown contract candidate.
Tier 3: A solid youth prospect that should get a look in MLS Next Pro or is likely getting recruited to play high level college soccer.
AM, Jio Gabriel Mora (2006)
What makes him special: Mora is a creative playmaker that finds imaginative ways to create chances. He has good technique on the ball and is continuously looking for ways to find his teammates in dangerous spaces.
How he can take it to the next level: Mora can be erratic at times. He needs to find a balance of taking measured risk and also being responsible with the ball. Right now, he turns the ball over more than you’d want from a player of his quality at this level.
Level: Tier 3
RB, Matthew Schenfeld Matthew Schenfeld D State #19 Nation OH (2006)
What makes him special: Schenfeld is at his best when he is attacking defenders with his pace and ability to creatively manipulate the ball. He has the confidence and ability to take on defenders, win individual battles and create numerical advantages in the final third.
How he can take it to the next level: It is when he gets to the final third where things start to get a little concerning. He needs to improve his decision-making and precision in the most coveted part of the field. He also needs more one on one defensive reps if he is going to be a full-back long term. Right now he plays more as a wing-back, so I am not quite sure if he is a winger or full-back going forward.
Level: Tier 3
RCB, Ben Manfroy Ben Manfroy D State #39 Nation OH (2007)
What makes him special: Manfroy is one of the more intelligent center-backs you will see at his age in MLS Next. He has a great feel for space and has the vision and passing accuracy to find his teammates in progressive positions and he has good range with both feet. Manfroy isn’t the biggest or the fastest, but uses instincts and anticipation to be a steady defensive presence.
How he can take it to the next level: Manfroy is a very good passer, but I think he could improve in his ball control ability and he could have different ideas to relieve pressure before passing. At times, he has to rush passes because he doesn’t seem confident in taking a touch or two to create space.
Level: Tier 3
DM, Stiven Jimenez Stiven Jimenez D State OH (2007)
What makes him special: Jimenez is a steady presence in midfield that distributes well from deep positions and can control the pace of play. He sees the field well and is composed on the ball. Overall his game lacks a wow factor, but he is solid all around.
How he can take it to the next level: The lack of wow factor or dynamic qualities are concerning to me when I try to project Jimenez’s future potential. I struggle to see why FCC signed him to a first team deal so early. As a player that likely projects as a playmaking defensive midfielder, I’d like to see a little more bite and tenacity on defense.
Level: Tier 3