ECNL North Carolina-U15 Top Attackers

The final age category for the ECNL NC event is U15. With 52 teams competing, the talent pool was quite vast for every category. The attacking play wasn't as prolific as it was in the previous age groups, with no team scoring over 9 goals. However, this does not mean that the attacking talent was lacking by any means. If anything, some players were unfortunate not to be included in this final list. With that being said, these were the best attackers at this event, in my opinion.    Ricki is a talented forward who can play anywhere in attack, as well as an attacking midfielder. A direct attacker who pierces through the opposing defense, she allows her team to be dangerous in the final third. Her dribbling makes it so that her direct approach is as effective as it is. She clears her path in order to either set up a play or take the shot herself. Also, her first touch allows her to beat defenders when she receives the ball while running. This opens up space, which is crucial when she's near the box. Her link-up play is phenomenal, too. She's able to play the ball into her midfield to let them create chances, or she plays it out wide to her wingers.     Siena is an immensely talented striker who can also play just as well as a winger. Her ability to drive the ball forward centrally in the final third is remarkable and effective. She's able to drive so cleanly and effectively thanks to her fantastic dribbling, gliding past defenders as if they were cones. Her link-up play is also just as great in opening up defenses, especially when she drops back to receive the ball. She knows how to position herself great, too, getting into pockets of space most players won't think of going to. In the box, her shooting is phenomenal, combining power and placement impressively. She proves to be a dominant figure in the final third, regardless of the context of the attack.     Sara is an intense and talented right winger who can also play as a right back and a right wing-back. Her defensive prowess translates perfectly into attack, especially when pressing up high. She does not allow the opposing full-back, and sometimes even center-backs, any room to think. Intense and effective, she wins the ball back in the opposing half constantly. With her strong and clean tackles, she leaves the opposition flat-footed. She's also a very fast player, making her hard to defend when she's on the ball. This speed also allows her to be direct, piercing through the defence and pushing her team forward aggressively. She associates well, finding great passes. But her long shots are even more impressive, being able to find the target from far out easily.     Anna is a striker who makes the job for her teammates in attack much easier. With an immense ability to hold up play, she allows her wingers to run into space that she opens up. Because of her positioning, she drags the center-backs out. This, combined with her great physicality, allows for effective attacks to flourish centrally. Her link-up play makes sure that the ball always finds its way forward, even if her back is to goal. Though her main attribute is being the defensive magnet, she is also technically gifted and fast. Her dribbles are smooth and effective, leaving defenders in the dust with the same ease with which she muscles them away in build-up. When she's in the box, her shots are both strong and dangerous.     Carsen is a well-rounded and immensely talented striker who makes her team effective. One of her most impressive qualities is how technical she is. Agile with great dribbling, she gets rid of defenders constantly when she takes the ball to them. She's insistent on taking the ball to them, proving how strong her mentality is as well. Her direct nature makes the opposition nervous, and her team confident. When she gets into the box, she shows how great her shooting is. Her ability to get shots on target is exactly what you want to see from your striker. Another great thing you want to see from your striker is them being participative. She does this wonderfully. Constantly chasing down defenders, she does not allow them to play out from the back cleanly.

The final age category for the ECNL NC event is U15. With 52 teams competing, the talent pool was quite vast for every category. The attacking play wasn't as prolific as it was in the previous age groups, with no team scoring over 9 goals. However, this does not mean that the attacking talent was lacking by any means. If anything, some players were unfortunate not to be included in this final list. With that being said, these were the best attackers at this event, in my opinion.