Starting with perhaps the No. 1 prospect in the upcoming MLS SuperDraft in Cristian Roldan, there are no shortage of highly talented midfielders in this year’s crop of players. While there’s a bit of a drop-off after Roldan, there are likely a handful of players who will see plenty of action in 2015.
Cristian Roldan, Washington
Cristian Roldan is a little small, but that’s about the only issue he has. We already know that he is, according to Real Salt Lake technical director Craig Waibel, “one of the most technically sound players in college."
He’s also an amazingly versatile player, able to play underneath strikers, deeper as a passer or on either wing providing service. He’s not going to make a ton of tackles playing deep, but if you want a young player who can pull strings, Roldan’s your guy.
Seth Casiple, Cal
We’ve said it before, we’ll say it again: Seth Casiple is a beta version of Michael Bradley. He’s an excellent set-up guy, as evidenced by his seven assists this year (although playing with guys like Connor Hallisey and Stefano Bonomo likely has something to do with that, but not everything). But he can also win the ball back when the need arises. Versatility is a double-edged sword when it comes time to draft players, but in Casiple’s case his well-rounded game will probably serve him well.
Eric Bird, Virginia
Like Casiple, Bird can really get in a tackle when he puts his mind to it. On the flip side, though, he can lace in a perfectly placed ball from 30 yards. Bird is a smart, skilled player, and he’s got an unbelievable engine. Injuries kept him out of most of the NCAA tournament, but if he’s recovered then he might end up climbing this list.
Ignacio Maganto, Iona
The Spanish midfielder will take up an international slot, but he might be worth it. He’s playing centrally at the Combine, but he’s played as a right midfielder in the past, and it shows in his ability to run guys down. He has lots of energy, scored lots of goals this season – 11 at Iona, to go along with five assists – and has excellent distribution ability. The good thing is, he could move around. The bad thing is that international tag, but he’s playing himself up the draft boards.
Tyler Arnone, Michigan
Arnone’s a tricky one. Opinion is obviously split on him – before he transferred to Michigan, the coaches at St. John’s told him point blank that he wasn’t good enough to play Division I soccer – but the people who love him really love him. His best position is in central midfield, orchestrating the play with his passing, but it’s a lot to ask an MLS team to give a college kid the keys to the car, as it were. He might have to make use of his versatility and move out wide at some point.
