True wide midfielders are becoming more and more rare, but – despite the relative scarcity of wingers in the league – they remain an important piece for many teams in MLS. Who are the top outside mid prospects in Thursday’s SuperDraft? Here are the top five:
Connor Hallisey, Cal
Not only is Hallisey the only left-sided midfielder worth a pick in the first two rounds, he’s also probably the best overall wide midfielder available. To be fair, it helped having a forward in front of him in Stefano Bonomo who could get on the end of service, but his 12 assists are testimony enough to the quality of the balls he was whipping in.
Akeil Barrett, Tulsa
We knew Barrett was good, but figuring out just how good was a problem. Also a problem: Figuring out what position he played. The Combine seems to have produced an answer to both those questions: very good, and a right winger. Barrett has some speed, but his technical ability is his most notable asset. As a Jamaican national, the new MLS signee will take up an international slot.
- Post-Combine Mock Draft: Where will Barrett go on Thursday?
Connor Brandt, San Diego
We’re cheating a little here, because Brandt was deployed mainly as a left back during the Combine, and it seems like that’s where he might end up at the next level. At USD, however, Brandt was a midfielder, and he bagged seven goals and six assists in 2014 en route to winning the West Coast Conference’s Player of the Year award. He’s bringing the same skill set to left back, but if a team needs him to fill in on the wing he’s more than capable of it.
James Rogers, New Mexico
Rogers didn’t have a fantastic Combine, but we’re still a little surprised that the Colorado Rapids passed on him as a Homegrown signing. Rogers is pesky, fast and can really stretch a defense. His efficiency in front of goal is not great for a forward, but putting him out wide would yield dividends.
Manolo Sanchez, Clemson
Sanchez finished his season with three goals and six assists, and the Tigers somehow pulled the ACC Tournament championship out of a hat. Sanchez is a good link-up type of player, and has some skill on the ball to match it. He also says that he wants to play for the Union so he can stay in his hometown, so if you need a right midfielder, Philly fans…
