RSL 2006 SuperDraft watch list

BetterThanChivas · 01-16-2006, 04:32 PM

ESPNSoccernet on the combine:
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=355419&root=mls&cc=5901

Following up our little "what we should draft" argument:

Quote:

Midfielders: With Kljestan out of action, all eyes were focused initially on Santa Clara's Mehdi Ballouchy. Ballouchy displayed impressive technique throughout the combine, preferring to operate as a deep-lying midfielder in the mold of a Xabi Alonso. Ballouchy seems guaranteed of being one of the top two midfielders taken and did nothing to damage that status. But, having said that, you can't quite help but feel that at times a player of his ability should give you more.

Outside of Ballouchy and Kljestan, there's no doubt that North Carolina's Dax McCarty and Indiana's Brian Plotkin are the other top prospects, with Wake Forest's Justin Moose probably doing the most to improve his stock.

Hermann Trophy finalist Brian Plotkin received a mixed bag of reviews for his performances. Some coaches felt he hurt his stock a little, others felt he did well. To be fair to Plotkin, he was played at various spots (left midfield, central midfield and left back) throughout the combine, some of which were new to him. Even so, Plotkin is still a likely first-round choice. As in college, Plotkin seemed to drift in and out of games, but he continues to have a knack for making high-impact plays. As one coach said, "He's a good player who passes well when given time. He's one of those guys who understands what he's doing out there and uses the ball very well."

Plotkin's college teammate, Mike Ambersley, didn't fare quite as well. Ambersley looks to be a forward-midfielder tweener. He doesn't have the speed or finishing ability to play up front and might lack the creative mind-set or passing ability to be an offensive midfielder. It might be worth considering experimenting with him at fullback.

Other midfielders receiving plaudits from the coaches were Jeff Carroll of St. John's, U-17 standout Blake Wagner, Washington's Mike Chabala and New Mexico's Brandon Moss.

Carroll's college teammate, Matt Groenwald, received high grades for his character and competitive nature, but on the whole, Groenwald's play was disappointing. He might lack the technical skills required for the next level, but it's never wise to overlook a player with Groenwald's intangibles.

One prospect to keep an eye on is SMU's Duke Hashimoto. Hashimoto appears to be an enigma. He has pace, the ability and willingness to take people on and run at them, and offers a potential goal-scoring threat from midfield. What lets him down at times is his questionable soccer IQ, but he's worth a late flyer in the hopes that his decision making improves with experience.

BetterThanChivas · 01-16-2006, 04:38 PM

Bob Bradley (Chivas head coach) comments on Wynne:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Bradley

"I think (Wynne as first pick) is the general consensus -- most people would say he's the likely No. 1, and he's earned that. He's obviously a special kind of athlete. And when you talk about somebody who can adjust and play right away, his athletic qualities allow him to do that."

source:http://www.mlsnet.com/MLS/news/mls_news.jsp?ymd=20060116&content_id=50476&vkey=news_mls&fext=.jsp

A very interesting article, Marvell Wynne is the son of a pro baseball player.

Sorry about the double post again.

SoccerPrime · 01-17-2006, 08:41 AM

Wynne, Kljestan or Sturgis has got to be at the top of the list this week for RSL.

Stucki · 01-17-2006, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoccerPrime

Wynne, Kljestan or Sturgis has got to be at the top of the list this week for RSL.

Wynne won't be availabe with the 2nd pick. I hope it is Sturgis just because that is what I picked for the matchnight mock draft. It would be nice to be right.

BetterThanChivas · 01-17-2006, 04:25 PM

3rdDegree Wrap Up:
http://www.3rddegree.net/thirdindex.cfm?page=article&show=1098

Quote:

Josmer Altidore 10 years from now I think this is the name we will all look back on in shake our heads in wonder. Which doesn't mean he will get taken very high. Remember the system, he's 16 and what coach can afford that kind of project? It may take a couple years before he impacts a MLS side. Then how long before he is gone for big money? Still a 1st rounder though.

Mehdi Ballouchy The best pure playmaker in the pool, even if you included last year. Fantastic feat, just a wonder on the ball, and so smooth in his play. He will need to bring up the intensity in his game, but he's got everything he needs to be a real top tier MLS talent.

Jeff Carroll The best holding midfielder type on the board, who can play some in the backline too. Smooth on the ball, plays with his head up, passes well, and can control play with both tackling and possession. He's going to make some team very happy with years of high quality play in MLS as a lynch pin midfielder.

Dax McCarty One of the best four players at the combine in my book and he is only 18. Just silky ball skills and fantastic vision. Not the playmaker that Ballouchy is, but a better defender too. A fantastic two way player destined for central midfield. A bit on the small size but should still grow some.

Justin Moore After Wynne the best outside back on the board and one of the most ready to play today in MLS. Just does everything with calm and clear stability. Can pass, cross, run, and defend both physically and tactically. A very complete player who can play holding mid if need be. Just a higher class of player than the field here.

Nathan Sturgis Draws comparisons to Parkhurst in that he is the most technical defender of the center backs here at the combine, most of whom are much older since Sturgis is 18. Ready to play now in MLS despite his age. Some concerns about central versus outside as his best role, but looks able to play both. He looks very good when partnered with a big physical defender. A leader on the field despite age.

Marvell Wynne Probably still the top pick in MLS even without a stellar combine. There were several moments when he showed the true explosiveness and devastating pace that makes him the top prospect. Played only right back at the combine, but most MLS coaches think he could play anywhere.

SoccerPrime · 01-18-2006, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BetterThanChivas

3rdDegree day two:
http://www.3rddegree.net/thirdindex.cfm?page=article&show=1096

Has anyone seen this kid play? 3rdDegree has ben commenting on him all along.

Wynne is mentioned like a billion times in the article, but there is not one thing about him only.

I saw McCarthy play when he played for my PDL team the last 2 years. He is small but has great speed and even better passing. One of the best passing players I have seen, really.
I don't think he'll be a #2 pick, but he is a great player and would be a plus for RSL to get him.