Who were the top players for the Revolution U15s this year?
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The New England Revolution U15 team is similar to what we’ve come to expect from New England Revolution academy classes. They have developed a top prospect that looks like a future Youth National Team and homegrown player. They also have…
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Continue ReadingThe New England Revolution U15 team is similar to what we’ve come to expect from New England Revolution academy classes. They have developed a top prospect that looks like a future Youth National Team and homegrown player. They also have a few other impactful players that have compelling upside and the rest of the team lacks big time potential. New England has shown that they are capable of developing big time players, but if they could add more depth to their academy, likely through recruiting outside of their immediate territory, they could be a top academy in MLS for a long time.
CF/WING, Cristiano Carlos Cristiano Carlos F #18 Nation MA (2008)
What kind of player is he?
Carlos was one of the most exciting U15 players in MLS Next this year and is one of the most creative attackers you will find in the United States. Carlos can play as both a center-forward and as a winger and while he doesn’t play it often, I bet he would also be quite effective as a number ten. Carlos has a great feel and flair for the game. He is undersized by center-forward standards, but uses his intelligence to find dangerous pockets of space and uses his elite dribbling ability to create his own shots. His technical ability on the ball sets him apart and his bravery to try different things in the attack make him unique to the United States youth pool.
Tier: 1
LCB, Joaquin Garcia Zilinskas Joaquin Garcia Zilinskas D #28 Nation MA (2008)
What kind of player is he?
Garcia Zilinskas is one of the more under appreciated players at the U15 level in MLS Next. He is a strong and skilled left footed center-back. His ceiling and long-term position will depend on how much he grows. For now, his profile projects well at center-back, but if he does not gain length, he may have to find a new position. Garcia Zilinskas is at his best when he has the ball at his feet and he can use his feel for space and ball control to break pressure. He is very tidy in tight spaces and is comfortable in close quarters. He does not break as many lines as I would like to see with his passing, but his ball control is a weapon. Defensively he is extremely sound in his positioning and is very responsible in how he plays his position.
Tier: Low 2
RB, Eli Ackerman Eli Ackerman D #86 Nation MA (2008)
What kind of player is he?
Ackerman is an athletic and defensive minded right-back. Ackerman does flash ability on the ball and is adept at quick, one-touch play, he can at times be a little passive in getting forward. The tools are there, I’d just like to see more consistency in applying his skills to a more ambitious mindset. Defensively he is very solid. He mobility and discipline and make him difficult to beat in one on one situations and he shows good back post defending, a job that is critical for full-backs.
Tier: 3