Alabama players show speed, foot skills

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The state of Alabama is producing a lot of talent on the soccer front as the game gains more and more popularity in the area, more players are going to start being developed and move on to the next level. Here are five players who represent the best talent in the state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='172331' first='Hudson' last='Alexander'], Central Defender, Alabama FC, Class of 2025</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alexander is technically gifted, can play a pretty lofted ball and put it where it needs to be and he can really strike a ball with his right foot and score. He's incredibly sound as a defender, showing good footwork when tracking attackers, showing anticipation and beating players to the spot. He's also improving in so many areas as his left foot is getting better, especially with long balls, and he is showing that he is improving in changing directions when attackers try to twist him into knots. He's getting more involved in the attack and using his good size to be a threat on set pieces.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='185154' first='Ayden' last='Dulaney'], Defender/Midfielder, AFC Huntsville, Class of 2027</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":185117,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/06/IMG_3768.jpeg?w=760" alt="" class="wp-image-185117" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Lance Gilbreath</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dulaney is a versatile player who can play on defense or move up to the midfield. She has top end speed, so as a defender she can keep up with attackers and as a midfielder, she can really move the attack forward. She is incredibly athletic, and does not just rely on her raw athleticism as she understands the game and makes smart overlapping and underlapping runs. She's great about picking out a pass, delivering balls with pace and accuracy. Once she's pushed up, Dulaney is very dangerous in the final third because she has a strong right-footed shot. She strives to improve as well as she works on her speed and agility, she's getting stronger, and she's improving her already excellent technical skill and finishing skills. She already has a deep understanding of the game, but is learning more and more about it each day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='111843' first='Mary' last='Carson James'], Central Defender/Defensive Midfielder, Alabama FC, Class of 2027</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>James is a defensive player, but one with excellent ball skills. She is good with the ball at her feet, and also good heading the ball because, despite being a rising sophomore, she is already 5'10". She is a very good 1v1 defender when left alone with an attacker, as she is an aggressive player, but controlled. When on the ball, she is cool and calm as she does not panic. She has a tactical understanding of the game as well, which helps when she's playing the No. 6 spot. She's becoming more confident as a midfielder when she's joining the attack and she's beginning to strike the ball with more power.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ella Kappler, Defensive Midfielder, Hoover Vestavia Soccer, Class of 2026</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kappler is an important pivot player for her club and school as the HVS and Hoover High player knows how to turn and switch the play quickly. She shows great calm and patience on the ball and picks a pass very well. The way she slots a ball through a gap is very impressive. She also displays excellent foot skills as she can take on defenders and break lines herself, then usually makes a clean pass into the area for a teammate. She is very aggressive and physical defensively, using great strength to knock attacking players off the ball. She also works hard until she wins the ball, as she does not give up, even if they get past her. She is fierce and competitive and has a tough mindset. She can also play multiple positions as she is very versatile. She continues to improve as a passer and with her first touch, as you can see the progression if you watch her play or see her highlights. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Leila Elizabeth Smith, Attacking Midfielder/Forward, NOW Academy, Class of 2029</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith is a burgeoning talent, who displays excellent skills and athleticism. She is still a year away from high school, and despite being a smaller player, she is exceptional. She does not shy away from bigger defenders, and displays some toughness and grit. She's incredibly gifted technically, routinely beating defenders on the dribble, and she's very clever as she can change directions quickly and play a nice ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->