Charlotte’s U-15s do not have as much top-end talent as the U-17s, but a big reason for that is that the best U-15 eligible player in Charlotte’s system, Nimfasha Berchimas Nimfasha Berchimas F NC , plays up a level with…
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Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log inCharlotte’s U-15s do not have as much top-end talent as the U-17s, but a big reason for that is that the best U-15 eligible player in Charlotte’s system,
Nimfasha Berchimas
Nimfasha
Berchimas
F
NC
, plays up a level with the U-17s. They do have one youth national team player and three others with decent upside.
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.
LCB, Jaydus Camacho (2008)
What makes him special: Camacho has the skills and physical profile you are looking for in a young center-back, plus he is left-footed. Camacho has good size, agility, ball control and passing range. He also displays good instincts on defense, as well as quick feet and good timing on his tackles. He is so skilled that Charlotte oftentimes play him in midfield and out on the wing.
How he can take it to the next level: I would like to see Camacho take more risks when playing out of the back. This is the stage in development when he should be trying things and learning from his mistakes.
Level: Tier 2
Camacho has been involved in the U.S. U-15 team and is one of many talented left-footed defenders vying for a spot. For me, I think he has the highest ceiling of any left-footed center-back in the class. Camacho is the profile of player that Charlotte will look to sign to a first team contract if all goes to plan.
RCB, Panagiotis Fotinos (2008)
What makes him special: Fotinos is a skilled center-back with great dribbling technique and control which allows him to maneuver his way out of danger before progressing the ball. Defensively, he is one of the better one on one defenders in this class. He is aggressive, has great feet, anticipation — making life very difficult for attackers.
How he can take it to the next level: Fotinos does a great job of dribbling out of pressure but his passing is inconsistent. If he can improve in this area I think he has the chance to move up a tier and potentially put himself in the youth national team conversation. Camacho and Fotinos form the most talented center-back pairing at the U-15 level in MLS Next.
Level: Tier 3, Tier 2 Upside
AM, Ethan Curtis Ethan Curtis M NC (2008)
What makes him special: Curtis is a ball progressing midfielder with good size and athleticism. He can progress the ball by dribbling and passing equally well. He currently plays more of an attacking-mid role, but I think he has the profile to be a box to box midfielder down the road. He displays good anticipation and passing instincts.
How he can take it to the next level: I would expect more goal contributions from a player of Curtis’ ability at this level. It might be just a string of bad luck, but I still need to see more chance creation and goals. If I had to point to a reason, I would say he needs to take more risks and be a little less predictable and more creative in the final third.
Level: Tier 3, Tier 2 Upside
Curtis was invited to an early identification camp for the U.S. U-15s but I don’t believe he has been back with the group. He is right on the fringe of being a player ready for that level.
GK, Brandon Jenkins (2008)
What makes him special: Jenkins has good length, reflexes and athleticism which makes him capable of making impressive saves and I love the bravery he displays when attacking fifty-fifty balls in the box.
How he can take it to the next level: Jenkins is young and still makes too many mistakes with the ball at his feet. He needs to be more decisive and improve his comfortability on the ball. This is the case for many keepers his age.
Level: Tier 3
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