MLS NEXT Cup – U16 Standouts
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There is an abundance of under-16 talent in our academy systems around the country, however some of the very best came together last week to battle it out during the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs. These players traveled from around the…
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Continue ReadingThere is an abundance of under-16 talent in our academy systems around the country, however some of the very best came together last week to battle it out during the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs.
These players traveled from around the country in order to compete against one another in an attempt to discover if they had what it took to win the MLS NEXT Cup. Although everyone could not have won the final and became MLS NEXT Champion, there still was an extensive amount of beautiful and magical football played during the tournament that truly made everyone in attendance feel like they were the ones who won. We saw hundreds of young athletes put it all on the line for the badge on their kits and the teammate they had standing next to them, it was truly a wonderful and encouraging sight. It puts the game into perspective and shows how bright the future of U.S. Soccer is.
The following is my list of the very best U16’s that we had the honor of watching during this years MLS NEXT Cup:
With a name like “Rocket Ritarita”, you just had to know this kid was going to be an amazing and entertaining talent.
Ritarita is another one of those names that came into this years MLS NEXT Cup and some had a little bit of hesitancy around. While he is a wonderful talent and well respected amongst his competitors, there were some coaches and scouts that believed he lacked the intangibles that would take him to the next level. Luckily for Ritarita, he came into this tournament and proved everyone doubting him wrong.
With the combination of blistering pace and silk movements in and around the defense, Rocket Ritarita had the opposition on its heels throughout most of the tournament. He was confident on the ball and seemed to always know what he wanted to do next. One of my favorite qualities about Ritarita is the fact that he’s so confident within himself that mistakes simply slide off him and are left in the dust. He plays like a seasoned veteran rather than a 16-year old kid, constantly changing to adapt to the pace of the game and staying motivated to change the game around him.
Ritarita also showed his calm and collected attitude in the final, when he had to bury a beautiful penalty to give his team the breathing room necessary to hold onto a lead against a very talented Strikers FC. His play in the final, combined with the overall talent he had shown throughout the tournament is why he was ultimately awarded the U16 Most Valuable Player award.
River’s Three Traits to Consider:Calmness: Rocket Ritarita is one of those athletes that trust in the process and understand that perfection isn’t a destination but rather the opportunity to always improve. He carries him with a level of confidence and belief that is almost infectious, and because of this is always moving forward despite any mistakes that may happen on the pitch. He adapts and overcomes to carry forward.Pressure: With all the calmness that Ritarita may keep for himself, he absolutely produces enough pressure against the opposition for the both of them. He makes lightening quick runs towards the back line when in transition and has a negligible change of pace when going from without the ball to having the ball at his feet. I really enjoyed seeing the active decision making he would have to decide on as he approached the opposing player. I was excited to see that nearly every time he made the correct decision to dribble, pass or shoot. Enjoyment: Rocket Ritarita seemed like he truly lives for the game and enjoyed every second of playing in this tournament. Of course there is a lot of pressure on these young athletes and many of them have their futures being judged or limitations being placed on them, however, Ritarita had the same enjoyment on his face that you would see at a U8 recreational game. He wasn’t worried about anything but the game and his friends.
Aiden Hezarkhani
Aiden Hezarkhani
Aiden Hezarkhani is a massively under appreciated talent that became stunningly aware to me during his time in the MLS NEXT Cup.
Hezarkhani had me hooked from game 1 where the Strikers took on Oakwood Soccer Club in a dramatic and hard fought match. In the dying minutes of the game, Hezarkhani lined up in front of net and nailed in a wonderfully placed free kick to win the match for his squad. Due to it being day one I wanted to maintain my expectations but keep an eye out for anymore brilliance from this young man, however I soon found out that Hezarkhani was a critical part to Irvine’s attacking play.
Hezarkhani plays primarily as an inverted winger but seems to be able to play in the middle of the pitch as well. He flows inside and outside very smoothly and never seems to find any hiccups with the ball at his feet or when he’s under pressure. He is very quick but his speed is controlled and used in almost the same way as a long distance runner holds their greatest sprint for the end of the race. Hezarkhani paces through the game and stays mobile, yet as soon as his opposing guardian loses focus he attacks them with his speed.
River’s Three Traits to Consider:Ambidextrous: Hezarkhani is a naturally left-footed player but has the ability to pass, shoot and cross very well with his right. His ability to use both of his feet so well allows him to cut in on an inverted run to take the shot with his left or simply overlap his teammate and lay off a powerful cross with his right. His technical ability gives him a diverse edge to his game.Explosive: While I wouldn’t say he is the quickest of players, he definitely has the speed to burn a defender quickly and then turn around in order to get back to defend. I trust a player of his caliber to make the correct decisions with the ball and his positioning. Composed: That free kick in the first game was one of the most fun moments I had the pleasure of experiencing during the entire tournament. You could feel the energy coming from the Irvine fans and the dread seeping out of the opposition as he stepped up to the ball, and when he struck it there was a moment of silence before the elation of the fans rang into the air. Hezarkhani, at 16, was able to step up with the game on the line and in front of a huge crowd drive the ball into the net. It was storybook for him.
Colton Swan is a very exciting prospect and could very well turn into a top prospect in two positions.
While Swan is a proven forward and target man, I believe he could also develop into an attacking midfielder. The attacking midfielder role is one that is about spacing, timing and vision. Swan has all of those intangibles but also has the scoring prowess of a forward. He’s not afraid to have to make decisions with the ball at his feet and seems to enjoy the challenge of getting out of tight situations.
As a forward it’s become very clear that Colton Swan is a very good option for any team trying to boost their attack. As the golden boot winner for the U16 tournament, he’s shown everyone that he’s reliable and clinical in front of net. His diversity of talent gives him a great opportunity to fit into various different systems at the next level and become a key piece for a team as he develops.
River’s Three Traits to Consider:Clinical: Swan is a fantastic poacher in front of net but can also make and produce his own opportunities. He doesn’t shy away from 50/50 balls and like the challenge of evading the defense. He’s a true born attacker.Utility: Swan has the ability to fit into various positions in the offensive scheme. He can play up top, outside or in the middle and do so with a high level of efficacy. I think long term he may find himself playing in the midfield but as he grows into a more mature player I’m sure he would be great in any position.rnTeam-Oriented: While Swan had led his team this year with 34 goals, he also has managed to pick up another 14 assist. While this feat sounds astonishing in print, seeing it happen in person really emphasizes it. Swan was not shy in the fact that he liked to pass the ball and share it with him teammates. During the games I was able to catch he was distributing the ball just as much as he was receiving it. rn
This years U16 Goalkeeper of the Tournament, Dillon Griner, was a forced to be reckoned with.
The young keeper has some of quickest reflexes I’ve ever seen in a goalkeeper of his age. The way he manipulates his body to get in front of incoming crosses and shots is inspirational, as a field player I’d rest easy knowing he was behind me.
By the time Griner graduates he should be a developed, technical and consistent goalkeeper. If he can stay the number 1 at Atlanta United then it would almost guarantee him a spot at any DI university and allow him plenty of opportunities at the professional level.
River’s Three Traits to Consider:Agile: Griner’s quick reflexes give him the ability to move into the way of incoming shots, however he agility gives him the ability to make the critical second save. He’s able to quickly transfer his weight onto the opposite foot in order to get his body’s momentum moving as quickly as possible. Technical: Griner is really good with his feet. Most goalkeepers in the modern game are at least decent with their feet due to the amount of teams transitioning to more possessive styles of play. However, Griner has legitimate skills with his feet. He doesn’t mind getting the ball and picking out a teammate.Confident: Griner is one of those keepers that wants to be involved with the big moments. He’s not hiding in the net waiting for the whistle to blow. He wants to save the penalty, he wants to make the save, he’ll challenge players face to face. He knows he has a direct role in the outcome of the game.