ECNL North Carolina-U16 Top Defenders

The next position to look at for the U16 category is the defense. The defensive display for this category was the most impressive, with even teams finishing mid-table having impressive defensive records. For the<a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2025/07/ecnl-north-carolina-u16-top-attackers/"> previously mentioned attackers</a> to have had such an impressive display is more remarkable given how well the defenders played. Given this, it was very difficult to shorten the list of best defenders to just a few. However, the following five nicked their place over the rest in my opinion.    Madeline is a right back who helps her incredibly talented team work great from the back. Attacking-wise, she drives the ball forward easily. Either by inverting or keeping her width, she makes sure her team moves forward if they're too deep. Her vision is great, too, constantly finding teammates in central areas. She either plays one-twos with them or provides clarity with incisive passes, and does so effectively. Defensively, she locks down her flank. She anticipates passes constantly, not allowing for other teams to attempt to stretch out the defense. If she can't anticipate, she'll win duels cleanly to regain possession. Her tackles are strong and clean as well, making her a real defensive asset.     Ava is a talented and imposing center back who doesn't allow anything get passed her. Her anticipation is unlike many players her age, showing how reactive and intelligent she is. She is a complete nuisance for any opposing player who attempts to receive the ball with their back to goal. To her anticipation, she also adds her physicality. Taller and stronger than most of her opponents, she overpowers them with impressive ease. This imposing nature of hers translates when she's on the ball. When she recovers the ball, she projects forward aggressively. Demonstrating both surprisingly good dribbling skills and mental fortitude, she plows through the opposition. She always finds a way to get the ball forward dangerously, giving her team a helping hand in attack.     Quinn is a talented and multi-faceted left-footed player who can play as a left-sided sweeper or left back. Finding players who are just as good offensively as they are defensively is hard, but we have one in Quinn. Offensively, she helps give her team clarity. Whether it's through providing width or playing balls centrally, she helps build from the back calmly. She's also the set-piece taker, playing in fantastic crosses. Her long passes are also remarkably effective. Defensively, she loves going into duels, winning the vast majority she goes into. Her intelligence to go into tackles is also remarkable, being able to lock down either the wing or channels. She proves to be a fantastically well-rounded player in every match she plays.     Isabella is an active and effective left-back who locks down her flank fantastically. A defender who loves to regain possession, she doesn't let the opposing wingers breathe. Sticking to the player she's marking, she forces them into either losing the ball to her or her teammates. Her tackles are also great, sticking in her leg strongly and cleanly. Typically, she does so outside the box and does so effectively. However, her very welcome ability to do so in the box is fantastic. Just as she is a remarkable defender, she also provides immense attacking support. She provides width, allowing her teammates to run into the box. When she sends in crosses, she sends them in precise, which creates danger.     Danille-Liz is a complete center back who adapts to the modern game wonderfully. One of her best attributes is her ball-playing, providing clarity and calmness when her team needs to restart plays. She doesn't just pass the ball to get rid of the ball, with her passes always serving a progressive purpose. Assessing her options, even if she's under pressure. Her ability to assess options is also evident when defending. She positions herself exactly where she needs to be when the opposition is attacking. With her physicality, she also manages to muscle players off the ball with ease. Rarely does she need to tackle since she is such a tidy defender. But when she does need to, she remains just as tidy.

The next position to look at for the U16 category is the defense. The defensive display for this category was the most impressive, with even teams finishing mid-table having impressive defensive records. For the previously mentioned attackers to have had such an impressive display is more remarkable given how well the defenders played. Given this, it was very difficult to shorten the list of best defenders to just a few. However, the following five nicked their place over the rest in my opinion.