ECNL North Carolina-U17 Top Defenders

We've already seen the talent that the U-17 category of the ECNL NC event provided us in attack and midfield. Moving down the pitch, we see just as much talent. From full-backs to center-backs, the defensive talent on display during the event was great. Many players proved how great they are in defending their team, but the following five proved to be a level above the rest.    Grace is a talented left-footed center back who helps lock down her team's defense. Whether she is defending near her box or higher up the pitch, she will impose herself. With her height, bravery, and physicality, she makes getting past her nearly impossible. Her tackles are strong and clean, being even cleaner when they're inside the box. When she goes in for duels, she makes sure she comes out on top. Regardless of whether they're aerial or ground duels, she will excel in either. On the ball, her ball-playing is fantastic. She has a calmness in building out from the back that allows for cleaner plays for her team. She deals well when pressed as well, getting out of tricky situations easily.     Olivia is an unbelievably talented left-back who impresses whenever she's called upon. Typically playing as an inverted full-back when attacking, she helps her team work tactically. With her fantastic technical ability, she easily frees up space and creates chances centrally. Her dribbles are reminiscent of a tricky winger, but even more impressive due to where she begins them. She never just gets past one player, and rarely only ever just two. This isn't just to flaunt her ability either, as she helps drive her team forward effectively. In defense, ground duels are her bread and butter, winning them constantly when she has to go out wide.     Janelle is an impressive center back who is a mix between the modern and traditional profiles. An imposing and physical presence at the back, she makes attackers' jobs incredibly difficult. Her timing on both her tackles and duels is fantastic, excelling in winning the ball back in either case. She wins both all match long, especially when they start to get closer to the box. Her anticipation is phenomenal as well, winning the ball back without needing to get dirty. On the ball, she's just as good. Her passes are more accurate than not, even when she's playing long passes. She also helps to give pause when building out, allowing for cleaner breaks. When she dribbles, she often goes into midfield, helping to circulate the ball there as well.     Madison is an exciting prospect as a right back, already being a Jamaica U-17 national. Tactically, she helps her team fantastically by holding her width. This allows for her teammates to move more freely centrally when she receives the ball, allowing her to have more passing options. This also allows her to move forward, both on and off the ball. She drives the ball forward wonderfully when it's at her feet. When it's not, she runs into spaces just as good, allowing for plays to open wide. Her duel-winning ability is great, too. She forces players out wide to get the ball off them.     Alexandra is a great center back whose profile is best described as a modernized traditional defender. A no-nonsense center-back, she doesn't allow for any play to materialize before she gets rid of the danger. Her anticipation is fantastic, knowing exactly when to get ahead of the attacker when they least expect it. She's also tall, allowing her to win aerial duels constantly. One of her most impressive attributes is her ability to clear the ball under pressure.

We've already seen the talent that the U-17 category of the ECNL NC event provided us in attack and midfield. Moving down the pitch, we see just as much talent. From full-backs to center-backs, the defensive talent on display during the event was great. Many players proved how great they are in defending their team, but the following five proved to be a level above the rest.