Keyman
10-15-2008, 11:33 PM
We all know that having a strong selection of younger players on a team is integral to its long term success. We see this in almost every sport, whether it be hockey, basketball, baseball or soccer. So, how do you feel about our future when you look at our group of younger players? These are the members of our team that will push us forward in the coming years as they hopefully reach their potential and progress to become everyday players, or even stars. Which players are ready to make a significant impact next year? Who should be cut? And who needs a couple more years of experience before they can make an impact?
This would be my list of "young" players, it includes what I feel will be their estimated impact year and my thoughts :
Gabe Gala (19) - Fantastic player out wide either at the back or in the midfield. Impresses me every time I see him play. He has quite a bit of pace, he can whip in a some beautiful crosses, and he is also a strong tackler. He is one for the future.
Estimated impact year: 2010
Abdus Ibrahim (17) - Toronto FC's wonderkid. This guy can flat out play the sport. He has a wonderful touch around the net, enough pace to cause havoc for slower MLS backlines, good ability with the ball at his feat, a good work ethic and he is only 17. Once the kid puts on some weight he is going to be a star in this league in my opinion, unless he goes to Europe. All he needs is experience and a solid mentor, who I hope he will get this offsesaon with the signing of a designated player. I don't see him being a significant player next year, but more of an energy, late sub type guy.
Estimated impact year: 2010
Nana Attakora-Gyan (19) - For a 19 year old, I think Nana has performed very well this season. He is very athletic, like Julius James, but he plays a much more simply and calculated game. He seems to have a great soccer IQ, which is a vital trait for a defender to have. Nana really seems to have no glaring weaknesses, all he needs is more time. I think he is going to be a very solid player for TFC in the future, he will be our general at the back. I think he will become an important player to the team at the end of next year, and turn into an everyday player in 2010.
Estimated impact year: Late 2009
Julius James (24) - James may be older, but I include him because he is a rookie. In my opinion, James has not performed well this season. He is an athletic freak, but he lacks soccer IQ and true defensive qualities. Now I'm just guessing here, but part of me believes his athletic ability compensated for his shortcomings in college, which is why he was so highly touted. However, now that he is against better competition, these weaknesses become very evident. I'm willing to give James another year, maybe more experience will change him, but I don't see him with the club past next season.
Estimated impact year - Gone after 2009
Joey Melo (19) - What happened to this guy? I really have nothing to say about him. I've seen him play a couple times for our reserves, but he hasn't done anything special. Maybe someone can give a more in-depth analysis? But if I had to guess..
Estimated impact year: Gone after 2009
Johann Smith (21) - Future star or one-dimensional flop? I've heard both sides argued. Personally, I believe Johann is going to be a star in this league, and soon. He has wicked pace (100m in 10.5s), he can dangle with the best, he can send in perfect crosses and he can even even score (seen in his U20 performances). He just has to put it all together. I get pretty happy when I think of our flanks being set for the next couple years with Smith and Ricketts! Next season I think we will see him break out, and become one of our best players.
Estimated impact year: 2009
Tyler Rosenlund (22) - Tyler is a very smart, exciting player. He makes very good runs, always seems to be positioned well, and is very good as a creative midfielder. His one glaring weakness is his finishing, it aint that great. When he has skilled players around him, and he is given space, he is a very dangerous player. He will benefit from more attacking options next season. I don't think he will ever become a star, but he will be an important domestic player for years to come.
Estimated impact year: 2009
Brian Edwards (23) - Cut. Not a good GK IMO.
Estimated impact year: Never
Derek Gaudet (19) - Really don't have a lot to say, although I have heard good things about him. I will leave him as a (?).
And finally..
David Monsalve (19) - I know he isn't technically with the team, but he will be. Fantastic 'keeper in my opinion, who has the ability to be a starter down the road. He impresses me every time he plays. He comes off his line well, is very quick, good positioning and has a good reaction time. Hopefully he is a part of the squad next season.
Estimated impact year: 2011-2012
So, I think we have a good core of young players to focus on for the future. However, that is just my opinion, I want to see what you think!
Also, remember we will most likely have a high pick in this year's draft, which could give us yet another significant youngster with a load of potential.
Also, let's not forget the academy. You never know how beneficial that could be down the road. If TFC pump money into it, and develop skilled domestic players, then we're set.
This would be my list of "young" players, it includes what I feel will be their estimated impact year and my thoughts :
Gabe Gala (19) - Fantastic player out wide either at the back or in the midfield. Impresses me every time I see him play. He has quite a bit of pace, he can whip in a some beautiful crosses, and he is also a strong tackler. He is one for the future.
Estimated impact year: 2010
Abdus Ibrahim (17) - Toronto FC's wonderkid. This guy can flat out play the sport. He has a wonderful touch around the net, enough pace to cause havoc for slower MLS backlines, good ability with the ball at his feat, a good work ethic and he is only 17. Once the kid puts on some weight he is going to be a star in this league in my opinion, unless he goes to Europe. All he needs is experience and a solid mentor, who I hope he will get this offsesaon with the signing of a designated player. I don't see him being a significant player next year, but more of an energy, late sub type guy.
Estimated impact year: 2010
Nana Attakora-Gyan (19) - For a 19 year old, I think Nana has performed very well this season. He is very athletic, like Julius James, but he plays a much more simply and calculated game. He seems to have a great soccer IQ, which is a vital trait for a defender to have. Nana really seems to have no glaring weaknesses, all he needs is more time. I think he is going to be a very solid player for TFC in the future, he will be our general at the back. I think he will become an important player to the team at the end of next year, and turn into an everyday player in 2010.
Estimated impact year: Late 2009
Julius James (24) - James may be older, but I include him because he is a rookie. In my opinion, James has not performed well this season. He is an athletic freak, but he lacks soccer IQ and true defensive qualities. Now I'm just guessing here, but part of me believes his athletic ability compensated for his shortcomings in college, which is why he was so highly touted. However, now that he is against better competition, these weaknesses become very evident. I'm willing to give James another year, maybe more experience will change him, but I don't see him with the club past next season.
Estimated impact year - Gone after 2009
Joey Melo (19) - What happened to this guy? I really have nothing to say about him. I've seen him play a couple times for our reserves, but he hasn't done anything special. Maybe someone can give a more in-depth analysis? But if I had to guess..
Estimated impact year: Gone after 2009
Johann Smith (21) - Future star or one-dimensional flop? I've heard both sides argued. Personally, I believe Johann is going to be a star in this league, and soon. He has wicked pace (100m in 10.5s), he can dangle with the best, he can send in perfect crosses and he can even even score (seen in his U20 performances). He just has to put it all together. I get pretty happy when I think of our flanks being set for the next couple years with Smith and Ricketts! Next season I think we will see him break out, and become one of our best players.
Estimated impact year: 2009
Tyler Rosenlund (22) - Tyler is a very smart, exciting player. He makes very good runs, always seems to be positioned well, and is very good as a creative midfielder. His one glaring weakness is his finishing, it aint that great. When he has skilled players around him, and he is given space, he is a very dangerous player. He will benefit from more attacking options next season. I don't think he will ever become a star, but he will be an important domestic player for years to come.
Estimated impact year: 2009
Brian Edwards (23) - Cut. Not a good GK IMO.
Estimated impact year: Never
Derek Gaudet (19) - Really don't have a lot to say, although I have heard good things about him. I will leave him as a (?).
And finally..
David Monsalve (19) - I know he isn't technically with the team, but he will be. Fantastic 'keeper in my opinion, who has the ability to be a starter down the road. He impresses me every time he plays. He comes off his line well, is very quick, good positioning and has a good reaction time. Hopefully he is a part of the squad next season.
Estimated impact year: 2011-2012
So, I think we have a good core of young players to focus on for the future. However, that is just my opinion, I want to see what you think!
Also, remember we will most likely have a high pick in this year's draft, which could give us yet another significant youngster with a load of potential.
Also, let's not forget the academy. You never know how beneficial that could be down the road. If TFC pump money into it, and develop skilled domestic players, then we're set.