GREEN ARMY’S 2010 MLS PREVIEW: TOP 11 ROOKIES TO WATCH
Last year’s rookies really made an impact in the league. Guys like Steve Zakuani, Sam Cronin, Omar Gonzalez, and Chris Pontius became key players for their respective clubs. I think we’ll see more of the same this season.
This years crop of newcomers boasts a ton of attacking talent. There are always surprises in this category, but here is a quick look some of the players I think you should pay attention to.
Forwards:
Danny Mwanga: Mwanga was drafted #1 and will play a major role in the Union’s attack. The young forward has the speed, strength, and skill to be an impact player this season. It looked like he would get the start alongside Moreno this season, but Sebastian LeToux might have slipped into that spot. Nonetheless, Mwanga is a top talent.
Teal Bunbury: The young forward is a natural goal scorer, something the Wizards haven’t had in a while. His 17 goals for Akron last season were the highest in the nation but we’ll see if he can translate that form to the pros. The Wizards don’t have a proven goal scorer so the position is his for the taking. He has some competition but he has the tools to succeed in MLS.
Andre Akpan: Akpan slipped in the draft and slipped in most people’s minds. He has shown glimpses of his potential during the offseason but needs playing time to beat the learning curve. Luckily, the Rapids recently waived forward Pat Noonan and have forward Ross Schunk out due to a long term injury. That only leaves Akpan to back up Casey and Cummings. This isn’t good news for Rapids but its great news for Akpan, who could see playing time right away.
Jack McInerny: The U17 standout has done more than expected in the offseason. Most have him penciled in as a dominating striker in two or three years. I think we might see him progress sooner than that. Will he be the next Jozy Altidore? That might be a stretch, but I expect him to score goals this season.
Zack Schilawski: The Wake Forest product had a solid preseason leading the Revs in scoring with four goals and one assist in five games. The young forward will likely come off the bench but if Twellman isn’t ready to go, he’ll jump right into the starting lineup.
Midfielders:
Eric Alexander: Third round draft pick Eric Alexander is quickly and quietly becoming one of the key players in FC Dallas’ midfield. The kid can flat out play and has put in some solid preseason performances. He has a solid work ethic and is a competent passer. He’ll serve as a backup to Daniel Hernandez.
Michael Stephens: The UCLA product couldn’t have asked for a better situation in his rookie year. He is getting developed by one of the best coaches in the league, Bruce Arena, and gets to play alongside experienced veteran midfielders in Landon Donovan, Eddie Lewis, Clint Mathis, and Chris Klein. Stephens isn’t a finished product, but he’s shown glimpses that might make him the Galaxy’s third Rookie of Year in as many years.
David Estrada: Seattle surprised everyone when they picked up Estrada in the first round. The UCLA product has plenty of tools to make him an excellent player MLS. Estrada fits in nicely at Seattle because they play an attractive and skillful type of soccer. He will benefit from the talent around him and make an impact this season.
Tony Tchani: The incredibly talented midfielder had a slow start to his preseason but he’s the real deal. The kid can play and should work his way into the starting lineup. Carl Robinson and Joel Lindpere look like the starting pair but Tchani isn’t far behind.
Defenders:
Ike Opara: Opara was the best defender in the draft. The kid can step in and start right away. He has a ton of athleticism and plenty of upside. The league is kind to young defensive players, meaning, Opara should excel this season.
Tim Ream: The Red Bulls second round draft pick looks like a lock as a starting center back. Red Bulls new coach, Hans Backe, holds Ream in very high regard and stated that Ream has the potential to be a national team defender. Ream is a smart player and could work his way into Rookie of the Year contention much like Omar Gonzalez last season.