Insider Matt Gaschk's 2013 MLS SuperDraft Preview continues with a look at the midfield, including Creighton University's Jose Gomez.
There are many different ways to construct a midfield, many different philosophies that can lead a coach to success.
For each of those styles, there is a player in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft.
It’s a group made up of players of all varieties, with a player to fill just about any midfield need of a team in MLS.
“It’s kind of reflective of the quality of the whole – in different pockets, there are players that are intriguing,” said Travis Clark of TopDrawerSoccer.com.
One of the more intriguing names of the bunch is Mikey Lopez, the lone Generation adidas player of the bunch.
In two seasons at North Carolina, the defensive midfielder had five goals and five assists in 46 matches and helped the Tar Heels win a national title. He may not make an instant impact for a team in MLS, but he certainly has the makeup of a player that could develop into that type of talent.
As does Jose Gomez.
After four seasons at Creighton, Gomez totaled 16 goals and 31 assists in 79 games, making steady progress in his four seasons.
“Jose Gomez defines our class of midfielders,” said JR Eskilson of TopDrawerSoccer.com. “He’s a technical player and he’s carved out a role for himself in college soccer and he’s raised his ability and he can play at any level because he can think quicker than the players around him.”
Few can match the statistical successes of Carlos Alvarez of UConn (20 goals and 42 assists in 82 games) and John Stertzer from Maryland (25 goals and 13 assists in 79 games), but that doesn’t always translate to the professional level.
It’s not uncommon for a great collegiate athlete on one of the stellar NCAA teams amasses incredible numbers amid great team success, only to find that the adjustment to the pro game is too difficult. For others, it’s just a matter of matching their skill set with a team’s style of play.
For more on the midfield prospects for the MLS SuperDraft, read TopDrawerSoccer.com’s story here.
Players to watch
Jose Gomez, Creighton, 79 games, 16 goals, 31 assists
Carlos Alvarez, Connecticut, 82 games, 20 goals, 42 assists
John Stertzer, Maryland, 79 games, 25 goals, 13 assists
Mikey Lopez, North Carolina, 46 games, 5 goals, 5 assists
Kyle Bekker, Boston College, 80 games, 17 goals, 22 assists
Dillon Powers, Notre Dame, 78 games, 10 goals, 22 assists
