GRADED: Current Top Academy Players- An Opinion Piece

[KoriMizu]

We're about half way through the Academy season as of this writing, and a few players in my mind have really stood out on paper. I'm of the mind that these players come the draft at the end of the season will end up as some of if not the most talked about by management in the Majors and Minors.

Starting off we've got the current scoring leader in Anthony Simmons. 14 goals in 6 games is an impressive stat line, especially for a center midfielder, but Simmons has always found a way to be in the right place at the right time, even if he was held scoreless in his last match.

Next up is, well, me, Kori Mizukana. Now before people start making accusations that I'm writing about myself to boast my own status (which isn't entirely untrue), I'm merely looking at the numbers here. Almost 500 attempted passes in 6 match days at 94% efficiency while also being top 5 (as of this writing) in Interception (2nd), Clearances (1st), Blocks (3rd), Key Tackles (T-2nd) and Shot Blocked (1st) I feel speak volumes for what I strive for as a player.

Anyways, last but not least for outfield players is Stephan Lichsteiner. A PotM recipient, Lichsteiner is a fantastic all around defender who can contribute on both ends of the field, being top 10 in Assists, Attempted and Successful Passes, Interceptions, Clearances, Blocks, and Shots Blocked. Of the three players this article mentions, Stephan is my current pick to go first overall come draft day.


There's still 8 Academy matchdays left to play, so I'm sure this list will shift as the end of the season approaches. In fact, I fully expect Chirstof Schweinsteiger to be on this list in my place come that time. We'll see what happens in the coming matches

[Wiggli]

I always appreciate a look at the up and coming class of academy players! The bar is set high for this cohort, on the heels of a historically large and illustrious season 20 class. But based on the numbers you’re reporting here there is plenty of reason to be excited! That is quite the haul for the midfielder Simmons, even if they cool off later that sort of production deserves a lot of attention. Likewise for your player! Great to see a player with an analytical outlook and all-around mindset. Simply showing the gumption to dive into all of these different numbers shows you’re deserving of a mention as a standout member of this class.
 
Interesting you’re already thinking about draft positioning, and I agree Lichtsteiner has an impressive profile already. But really all of the three players you mentioned have interesting things they bring to the table. And I know there also are a number of other players already making a name for themselves from the S21 class. Some top tier keepers developing are of particular interest to someone hailing from the Benelux federation who hasn’t been able to develop a solid keeper in recent years.
 
Looking forward to continue to watch this new crop of academy players develop. Their future, and the future of the league as a whole certainly seems bright.