ECNL North Carolina-U17 Top Midfielders

Just like was the case for the attackers at this level in the ECNL North Carolina event, the midfield talent was plentiful. From top to bottom, there was an abundance of talented midfielders. Whether they were defensive or offensive, each player on the shortlist was fantastic. However, the following 6 players stood above the rest, given the unbelievable talent they displayed.    Sydney is an attacking midfielder who occupies a specific position in attack. She plays in the half spaces and more specifically the right side half spaces. Here, she completely dominates in the attacking aspect of her team. When attacking, her function is similar to that of an inverted winger, but much more central. This allows her to pick pockets of space created by her striker to create danger. Her vision and creativity are fantastic, creating chances for her teammates with ease. However, her most impressive attribute is the way she runs in behind the defense. This can be both on and off the ball, but she'll always find herself close to the goal. When she is close to goal, she demonstrates her phenomenal finishing, scoring goals as if she were an attacker.     Julia is an extremely talented attacking midfielder who imposes herself thanks to her natural ability. A quick-thinking player, she makes herself almost completely undefendable with her decision-making. This quick thinking is best seen in her passes, with quick passes being one of her strongest attributes. Even with how quickly she plays these passes, she manages to make them precise. This can only be pulled off by a player with not only tactical vision but with innate vision too. Her changes of direction are great too, freeing up space for her to create chances. When her team is attacking without her being on the ball, she'll be attacking the box as well.     Liana is a central midfielder who makes her team work wonderfully in attack. She is a player who controls the tempo of a play, who can offer both quick passes and pause. Her quick passes help her team counterattack effectively, as she knows exactly when and where to pass. Her pause helps cool down erratic attacks, allowing the team to advance with more organization. Both are made possible thanks to her phenomenal vision as she can see not only passing lanes, but the entire play itself. When her team is defending, she goes into duels without fear. She wins the ball back deep and launches attacks intelligently, creating a cycle in her favor.     Juliann is a defensive midfielder who carries out a silent but remarkably impactful job. Her tactical understanding is fantastic, allowing her team to build up from the back effectively. Positioning herself between the center-backs, she helps her team have passing lanes both centrally and out wide. Defensively, her interceptions are her main attribute. She cuts out attacks constantly, anticipating passes quickly. She's also very physical, outmuscling players in midfield all game long. Her entire game proves how intelligent she is, whether it's through her pressure-relieving short passes or her positioning in both defense and attack.     Biance is a phenomenal central midfielder who helps her team move fluidly and effectively. Her quick passing and vision make her a constant danger for the opposing defense. She can position herself as either a left or right center-mid, but she'll always create danger. Her accuracy when playing crucial passes is remarkable as well. When she sees an opportunity for her team, she'll make sure it's exploited. Her attacking mindset makes her a great dribbler too. She carries the ball forward great, allowing for her team to move into spaces. She's also great with both feet, taking and creating chances comfortably with either.     Allison makes a duo in central midfield with Bianca that makes her team a creative outlet. A dribbler with vision, she is an absolute weapon in attack. Her passing and attacking mindset pushes her team forward, allowing for higher volume in attack. Whether she's playing the final pass or finding someone who can do so, she constantly looks for danger. Her high pressing also allows her team to win the ball back up the pitch. In turn, this allows her to get the ball in positions where she can create greater danger. Her and Bianca complement each other fantastically, playing off of each other. If Bianca takes one side of the channels, Allison takes the other and does not look out of place.

Just like was the case for the attackers at this level in the ECNL North Carolina event, the midfield talent was plentiful. From top to bottom, there was an abundance of talented midfielders. Whether they were defensive or offensive, each player on the shortlist was fantastic. However, the following 6 players stood above the rest, given the unbelievable talent they displayed.