Week 3 Charlotte Metro Preseason Best Performers

Week 3 in the Charlotte Metro area preseason gave us more talent to look at. Across the pitch, more and more players look to be hitting their stride before the start of the season. Others continue their great form, looking to impress as the season evolves. The following players were the best for this week.   Something important to note with Payton Popp was that he was erroneously included in the Week 3 article for the Triad area performers. I've corrected my mistake and added him to this list.    Payton is a promising left-footed forward who can play either as a striker or a right-winger. His natural ability is fantastic, being a constant nightmare for even some of the most talented defenders. Agile and driven, he takes the ball to defenders with the sole purpose of getting rid of them. He skips past them almost as if they aren't there. When he opens up the space after dribbling past defenders, he looks to either play a pass or take a shot. Whatever he decides to do, he always causes danger. His passes are great, finding teammates in great positions. When he shoots, he makes the keeper work hard, mostly for no reason. His finishing is fantastic, racking up goals for fun.     Ayden is an exhilarating winger with plenty of potential and versatility. His ambidexterous nature allows him to feel comfortable on either wing. Playing out wide is well and truly his calling, as he causes constant trouble for the opposition. With his confident and skillful dribbling, he makes defenders look silly if they try to take the ball off him. He takes the ball to them, knowing exactly what he's going to do with it. When he gets in a prime position, he becomes a lethal threat. Whether it be his playmaking ability or his fantastic finishing, he makes sure his presence in the final third is felt.     Santiago is an attacking midfielder who has evident raw talent ready to exploit. An imposing presence in the final third, he involves in plays constantly. His circulation allows his team to move more fluidly. He demonstrates his vision just as often, too, playing in good passes for his attackers. The left-footed player also has great shot power, taking impressive strikes from distance.     David is a level-headed and crucial center midfield talent who proves to be crucial in his team's possession play. His passing is correct, knowing what type of pass to play and when. If his team needs to move forward quickly, he'll play direct passes with no hassle. If his team needs to be calmed down to regroup and attack more clearly, he pauses the tempo expertly. He also helps team under pressure, acting as an extra player when his teammates need to play the ball quickly. His crosses are phenomenal, constantly finding a teammate in dangerous positions. His long shots are even better, leaving the keeper with no chance to ever reach them.     Jairo is a promising right-winger who appeared <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2024/12/best-players-of-the-top-ranked-teams-garinger-high-school/">before</a> last season. Being able to play as a right winger or an attacking midfielder, he shows how versatile he is. His selflessness continues to shine through as well, being an improved playmaker now that the new season has started.

Week 3 in the Charlotte Metro area preseason gave us more talent to look at. Across the pitch, more and more players look to be hitting their stride before the start of the season. Others continue their great form, looking to impress as the season evolves. The following players were the best for this week.