2025-09-12, 02:03 AM - Word count:
(This post was last modified: 2025-09-12, 02:20 AM by fathands3k. Edited 1 time in total.)
With us now 5 matches in and new academy players starting to show their undoubted talent, it's time for the "far too early to call but lets do it anyway" analysis of the top players currently coming through this academy class. We will sit down and look at some strengths of the new generation and how they like to play.
So lets not waste anymore time and check out the current top 10 players for the S23 Draft:
Arsène N'Goussou (CAM) (RAM, CM) - (CF Catalunya)
In a position where vision, creativity and finishing are important, N'Goussou has got the lot. He looks to be heading towards being an all round attacking machine with zero weakness. With him loving to get forward at any chance he get's and pushing the pace with One-Twos along the way, he could be a potential future star that could change the dynamic of the team that drafts him.
Lucas Peioxoto (LD) (LAM, LWB) - (Shanghai Dragons FC)
Able to play anywhere down the left hand side and having electric pace to out run almost anybody on his day. His ability to find strikers with precise crosses with "Beckhamesque" curl make him a nightmare for defenders, if they don't close him down he is likely to find the striker with that gift of, if they close down he loves to beat them with pace and put in the cross anyway. A dual threat from the wing.
Luke Walker (CM) (CAM, ST) - (Liffeyside Celtic FC)
A player who prides himself on making the right decision at the right time. A good attack can become a great chance with the right pass or the right movement off the ball, if you make the run, he will find you. Not content with trying to sit in the center of midfield, he loves to arrive late in the area and provide attacking impetus with One-Twos as he plays. Dynamic player who will ensure a chance is created, not lost.
Thomas Schwarte (LWB) (LM, RWB) - (A.C. Romana)
Being adept at either side at wing-back makes Schwarte a very handy player to have. Always determined to give his best and deliver dangerous crosses into the forwards. Solid defensively and in attack means you get the best of both worlds. Has pace to knock the ball past opponents and tends to wind them up with he does it. His career will be very interesting to watch unfold.
Volkan Kızıltaş (LAM) (ST, RAM) - (CD Tenochtitlan)
A physical specimen who will only improve with age and experience. With strength and pace forming the backbone of his game, his physicality alone is a game changer. Is a composed dribbler who loves to run with the ball and equally loves to attack off either wing by cutting in towards the centre backs. In the right system he will be a constant menace, but at any moment in the game could be your downfall.
Kaspars Kalinins (CDM) (CM, CD) - (Tokyo S.C.)
Set up to succeed in a position highly sought after. Makes defending look effortless. Always in the right position and a strong tackler, works hard for his team and cuts out threats before they happen. If and when he moves forward, causes confusion by moving into the channels playing a simple passing game. Does the dirty work for the team so they can excel. Unsung hero and potential steal in the draft.
Freddy Adu (CAM) (ST, CM) - (Xelajú Cósmico FC)
Yet to see a gap he couldn't pass through. Elite passing means he is always a danger. Loves nothing more than putting the ball into the space for the forwards to finish. Rarely makes a bad decision either ensuring when he passes, it's usually deadly. Not without his attacking instincts either and gets into the opposition box whenever he can. Passers this good are hard to come by.
Jiang You (LAM) (RAM, LM) - (Schwarzwälder FC)
Can and will kill you with pace, silky dribbling will embarrass you and if he spots an opening, his pinpoint crossing will have strikes licking their lips at the chances coming their way. His is a one way attacking machine, running with the box often and attempting killer passes to put the defence to the sword. Speed and dribbling is a scary combo and will ensure he is always a threat.
Lucas James (LAM) (CAM, LM) - (CA Buenos Aires)
Has some serious speed to leave players in his wake, has the composure and decision making to not let chances be wasted. Absolutely loves to move into the channels, cutting inside from the wings and placing shots into the far corner. Sounds like an Arjen Robben regen to me, and that will be great to watch and even better for any manager to have. Under-rated gem in the draft.
Lan Mandragoran (CD) (ST, CDM) - (União São Paulo)
A very balanced player, can do it all with no obvious weaknesses. Can leap as high as a salmon out of the water and has the beating in the air of almost anybody. Stays back at all times keeping the defence rock steady and never allowing his opponent any time on the ball with his close marking. This type of player won't set the world on fire, but will ensure you aren't worried about what he is doing.
Every team will be watching these players like a hawk as they continue to shine, only time will tell where they end up. With some serious talent available, no team will be disappointed with whoever they pick up on draft night.
So lets not waste anymore time and check out the current top 10 players for the S23 Draft:
Arsène N'Goussou (CAM) (RAM, CM) - (CF Catalunya)
In a position where vision, creativity and finishing are important, N'Goussou has got the lot. He looks to be heading towards being an all round attacking machine with zero weakness. With him loving to get forward at any chance he get's and pushing the pace with One-Twos along the way, he could be a potential future star that could change the dynamic of the team that drafts him.
Lucas Peioxoto (LD) (LAM, LWB) - (Shanghai Dragons FC)
Able to play anywhere down the left hand side and having electric pace to out run almost anybody on his day. His ability to find strikers with precise crosses with "Beckhamesque" curl make him a nightmare for defenders, if they don't close him down he is likely to find the striker with that gift of, if they close down he loves to beat them with pace and put in the cross anyway. A dual threat from the wing.
Luke Walker (CM) (CAM, ST) - (Liffeyside Celtic FC)
A player who prides himself on making the right decision at the right time. A good attack can become a great chance with the right pass or the right movement off the ball, if you make the run, he will find you. Not content with trying to sit in the center of midfield, he loves to arrive late in the area and provide attacking impetus with One-Twos as he plays. Dynamic player who will ensure a chance is created, not lost.
Thomas Schwarte (LWB) (LM, RWB) - (A.C. Romana)
Being adept at either side at wing-back makes Schwarte a very handy player to have. Always determined to give his best and deliver dangerous crosses into the forwards. Solid defensively and in attack means you get the best of both worlds. Has pace to knock the ball past opponents and tends to wind them up with he does it. His career will be very interesting to watch unfold.
Volkan Kızıltaş (LAM) (ST, RAM) - (CD Tenochtitlan)
A physical specimen who will only improve with age and experience. With strength and pace forming the backbone of his game, his physicality alone is a game changer. Is a composed dribbler who loves to run with the ball and equally loves to attack off either wing by cutting in towards the centre backs. In the right system he will be a constant menace, but at any moment in the game could be your downfall.
Kaspars Kalinins (CDM) (CM, CD) - (Tokyo S.C.)
Set up to succeed in a position highly sought after. Makes defending look effortless. Always in the right position and a strong tackler, works hard for his team and cuts out threats before they happen. If and when he moves forward, causes confusion by moving into the channels playing a simple passing game. Does the dirty work for the team so they can excel. Unsung hero and potential steal in the draft.
Freddy Adu (CAM) (ST, CM) - (Xelajú Cósmico FC)
Yet to see a gap he couldn't pass through. Elite passing means he is always a danger. Loves nothing more than putting the ball into the space for the forwards to finish. Rarely makes a bad decision either ensuring when he passes, it's usually deadly. Not without his attacking instincts either and gets into the opposition box whenever he can. Passers this good are hard to come by.
Jiang You (LAM) (RAM, LM) - (Schwarzwälder FC)
Can and will kill you with pace, silky dribbling will embarrass you and if he spots an opening, his pinpoint crossing will have strikes licking their lips at the chances coming their way. His is a one way attacking machine, running with the box often and attempting killer passes to put the defence to the sword. Speed and dribbling is a scary combo and will ensure he is always a threat.
Lucas James (LAM) (CAM, LM) - (CA Buenos Aires)
Has some serious speed to leave players in his wake, has the composure and decision making to not let chances be wasted. Absolutely loves to move into the channels, cutting inside from the wings and placing shots into the far corner. Sounds like an Arjen Robben regen to me, and that will be great to watch and even better for any manager to have. Under-rated gem in the draft.
Lan Mandragoran (CD) (ST, CDM) - (União São Paulo)
A very balanced player, can do it all with no obvious weaknesses. Can leap as high as a salmon out of the water and has the beating in the air of almost anybody. Stays back at all times keeping the defence rock steady and never allowing his opponent any time on the ball with his close marking. This type of player won't set the world on fire, but will ensure you aren't worried about what he is doing.
Every team will be watching these players like a hawk as they continue to shine, only time will tell where they end up. With some serious talent available, no team will be disappointed with whoever they pick up on draft night.
![[Image: Luke-Walker-4.png]](https://i.postimg.cc/pLgKT0C4/Luke-Walker-4.png)
