Five Players to Watch at El Arbolito Cup

<p>As MLS Next Fest wraps up in Arizona this weekend, promising young players from clubs that compete in the league will be in action in Texas, as [program_tooltip program_id='283612' first='Austin' last='FC'] hosts the fifth edition of the 'El Arbolito Cup' tournament between Friday and Sunday.</p>   <p>The event will reunite as many as eight MLS academies, with [program_tooltip program_id='283612' first='Austin' last='FC'], Chicago Fire, Colorado Rapids, FC Cincinnati, [program_tooltip program_id='283657' first='Houston' last='Dynamo'] and Orlando City competing in the U13 age group and being joined by Inter Miami and St. Louis City SC in teh U14 division.</p>   <p>Having watched some of the teams from Texas who will compete in the event recently, Prep Soccer Texas shortlisted five players to have in mind as the tournament approaches:</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">The son of former MLS star Gyasi Zardes, Gyan plays for [program_tooltip program_id='283612' first='Austin' last='FC']'s U13 team. A left-footed midfielder, he's extremely smooth on the ball, creating space with smart moves and doing a good job of escaping crowded areas of the field while in possession. He also hits the ball extremely well, being a massive threat in set pieces and displaying quality to connect long passes. Zardes also shows good effort when playing defense, working hard to help his team win the ball.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/p/DRIxgoXEQmQ/ </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Rios plays for the [program_tooltip program_id='283657' first='Houston' last='Dynamo'] U14 team. A versatile defensive player, he can play anywhere across the backline, being primarily an outside back, but also contributing in central defense, especially when set up in a back three. Rios has a strong defensive game, playing with good energy and showing determination to dispossess opponents in the defensive half. He also has good quality going forward, supporting the team's offense out wide with smart overlapping and by engaging in combination plays with his teammates.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQ2xjiMiQhx/ </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Zhang plays as a central midfielder for the [program_tooltip program_id='283612' first='Austin' last='FC'] U14 team. Technical and intelligent in possession, he does a good job of helping the team move the ball in the center of the field, showing excellent vision to connect first-time passes and find attackers with balls behind the backline. He's physically strong as well, and does well when playing defense, using his body to win duels and control the center of the field. Zhang can also play as an outside back and provides stability to the team's backline with his consistent and clean game.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Cardenas is an attacking midfielder who plays for the [program_tooltip program_id='283657' first='Houston' last='Dynamo'] U14 team. Very dynamic and creative, he makes a big offensive impact for the team with his ability to create chances in the final third. Cardenas is very smooth and quick on the ball, and uses his superior technical skills and craftiness to beat opponents in tight spaces with unexpected moves and disorganize their backline. He has great vision for final passes and is also a lethal finisher, who shows calm in front of the goal and is very accurate with his shots.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKTRcedRZKJ/ </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Hamadi is a forward for [program_tooltip program_id='283612' first='Austin' last='FC'] U14. Combining great technical skills and solid athleticism, he's a threat on the wings for them, running at defenders out wide, beating them in tight spaces and providing excellent service into the penalty box. A lefty, Hamadi is also a very good finisher, who can shoot the ball with power and precision from distance and find the right way to beat opposing goalkeepers with well-placed shots from close range. He's very intense with how he plays the game, and that extends to his effort on the defensive side of the ball.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/p/DRsnDcMESHA/ </div></figure>

As MLS Next Fest wraps up in Arizona this weekend, promising young players from clubs that compete in the league will be in action in Texas, as Austin FC hosts the fifth edition of the 'El Arbolito Cup' tournament between Friday and Sunday.