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2016 MLS Draft Midfielders Rankings




Posted By: Chris Ransom

Last Updated: January 8, 2015 Following Our monthly 2016 MLS Draft


These will be our initial rankings for the midfielders in the 2016 MLS Draft. These rankings will be adjusted as the season progresses.



  1. Jack Harrison, M, Wake Forest Projected Round Top 5 Pick Projected Team

    2015 Season Recap The 5-9 155 lb Jack Harrison dominated in 2015. Harrison had 8 goals, 11 assists, and 27 points for Wake Forest in 2015 as a true freshman. Harrison will be a top 3 pick if he gets a Generation Adidas offer and accepts it. He's gonna be the top midfielder taken in 2016. Harrison has precise kicking power and kicking accuracy with his feet and that makes him pretty complete as a striker and a playmaker that generates assists.





    Before 2015

    Harrison won the 2015 Gatorade High School Player Of The Year Award after Abu Danladi won the award in 2014. Harrison had a lot of exposure before committing to Wake Forest as he attended the ESPY's before enrolling in Wake Forest. A huge season at Wake Forest may land him a Generation Adidas offer for the 2016 MLS Super Draft.



  2. Richie Laryea, M, Akron Projected Round Top 5 Pick Projected Team

    2015 Season Recap The 5-9 150 lb Richie Laryea had 11 goals, 7 assists, and 29 points in 2015. Laryea is a natural goal scorer.



    Before 2015

    Richie Laryea had 2 goals, 1 assist, and 5 points as a freshman in 2014. He needs to do a whole lot more to assert himself as a Generation Adidas prospect. Laryea has blazing speed, excellent dribbling, and outstanding ball control. If he can produce more points he will be a top 5 pick in either 2016 or 2017 depending on when he gets his Generation Adidas offer.



  3. Julian Buescher, M, Syracuse Projected Round Top 10 Pick Projected Team

    2015 Season Recap The 5-10 170 lb Julian Buescher had 8 goals, 11 assists, and 27 points in 2015. Buescher was just as productive as Jack Harrison on Wake Forest. Buescher isn't as fast as Harrison, but you can argue that he has better size and stamina than Harrison. Buescher accepted a Generation Adidas offer and will likely be a top 10 pick now.



    Before 2015

    Buescher only had 5 assists in 2014 as a true freshman. He needs to do a lot more in 2015 if he wants a Generation Adidas offer.



  4. Patrick Hodan, M, Notre Dame Projected Round Top 10 Pick Projected Team

    2015 Season Recap The 5-9 155 lb Patrick Hodan has the versatility to play left wing, central midfield, right wing, attacking midfielder, or defensive midfielder with his versatility. Hodan struggled as a senior with 3 goals, 6 assists, and 12 points in 2015. His versatility and amazing soccer IQ makes him a top 10 pick.



    Before 2015

    Patrick Hodan had 6 goals, 5 assists, and 17 points as a true freshman. Hodan had 11 goals, 5 assists, and 27 points as a sophomore in 2015. As a junior Hodan posted 9 goals, 3 assists, and 21 points. Hodan needs another strong season to be a top 5 pick. Regardless of how he does, Hodan will end up being a top 10 pick barring injury.



  5. Timo Pitter, M, Creighton Projected Round 1st Round Projected Team

    2015 Season Recap The 5-9 150 lb Timo Pitter is slightly undersized. Pitter posted 10 goals, 5 assists, and 25 points in 2015. Pitter really improved as a defensive defender in 2015, so it would not be a surprise if he surpassed Chase Minter and entered the top 10 discussion. Either way, Pitter is a first round prospect.



    Before 2015

    Timo Pitter had 10 goals, 4 assists, and 24 points as a true freshman in 2012. Pitter had to carry this squad before Fabian Herbers showed up in 2013. Pitter regressed slightly as an attacking midfielder in 2013 with 7 goals, 4 assists, and 18 points as a sophomore. In 2014, Pitter finally showed ability to be a playmaker that can generate assists with 6 goals, 9 assists, and 21 points in 2014. Pitter needs a 10 goal or 10 assist season to sell scouts on being a first round pick.



  6. James Moberg, M, Washington Projected Round 1st Round Projected Team

    2015 Season Recap The 6-2 170 lb James Moberg missed most of the season with a knee injury. The sad part is that he led the team with goals even after suffering a season ending injury in 6 games. Moberg was a first round prospect prior to his injury, but may fall to the second round now.



    Before 2015

    James Moberg had more points than 2015 Generation Adidas player Christian Roldan. Moberg had 6 assists in 2012 as a true freshman before posting 9 assists in 2013. Moberg posted 2 goals, 6 assists, and 10 points in 2014 after posting 1 goal, 9 assists, and 11 points in 2013.



  7. Darius Madison, M, UMBC Projected Round 2nd Round Projected Team

    2015 Season Recap The 5-8 160 lb Darius Madison stepped up for UMBC in 2015. Madison led UMBC with 6 goals, 3 assists, and 15 points in 2015.


    Madison can play secondary striker, left wing, central midfield, right wing, attacking midfielder, or defensive midfielder. I don't think the Union can pass on his versatility.



    Before 2015

    Darius Madison was part of Virginia's 2014 College Cup team. Madison got dismissed from Virginia in 2015, and that ruined his draft stock. Madison will need a huge season at UMBC to have any shot of getting back in the first round.



  8. Vincent Mitchell, M, Butler Projected Round 2nd Round Projected Team

    2015 Season Recap The 5-8 150 lb Vincent Mitchell had 11 goals, 4 assists, and 26 points in 2015. Mitchell finally had 1 good season after 2 shaky seasons at Butler.



    Before 2015

    Vincent Mitchell spent his freshman season at Concordia College before transferring to Butler. Right now Butler is a fourth round pick, but a huge senior season could make him a top 40 pick that gets selected in the second round.



  9. Todd Wharton, M, Virginia Projected Round 2nd Round Projected Team

    2015 Season Recap The 6-0 170 lb Todd Wharton has good size for an MLS scout. Wharton really showed good ability and versatility during his senior season at Virginia.


    Todd Wharton could be a central midfielder or a defensive midfielder on the Whitecaps. Wharton had 1 goal, 3 assists, and 5 points in 2015. That's due to Wharton putting a bigger focus on playing defense at midfield.



    Before 2015

    Wharton had 41 consecutive starts during his first two seasons. After those two seasons, durability issues began to affect his health. Wharton needs to stay healthy in 2015 or receive an invite to the 2016 MLS Combine in order to receive first round consideration after winning a National Championship in the 2014 College Cup at Virginia.



  10. Zach Mathers, M, Duke Projected Round 2nd Round Projected Team

    2015 Season Recap The 5-11 172 lb Zach Mathers had 8 goals, 8 assists, and 24 points in his senior season with Duke. Mathers was a first round prospect heading into the preseason. Mathers may fall to the second round with the depth this draft has at midfield.



    Before 2015

    Zach Mathers was born in Keller, Texas. He played high school at Keller Texas High School. Mathers committed to Duke and tied the team with 4 assists as a true freshman in 2012. Mathers led Duke with 5 assists in 2013. Mathers played defensive midfielder in 2014. Mathers will move to attacking midfielder in 2015. A strong 2015 season will give Mathers the versatility to play central midfielder, attacking midfielder, or defensive midfielder which is a huge plus for his MLS Draft stock.



  11. Eric Verso, M, Stanford Projected Round 2nd Round Projected Team

    2015 Season Recap The 5-10 160 lb Eric Verso is has ideal size. Verso is a playmaker midfielder that had 13 assists as a senior. Verso finished his career with 13 goals, 19 assists, and 45 points in four seasons at Stanford.


    Verso can be a playmaker at central midfielder, he can be utilized as an attacking midfielder, or he can play out wide at right wing. Verso is a natural right winger on tape, but he is listed as a midfielder and has the tools to be a playmaker at the next level.



    Before 2015

    Eric Verso was redshirted as a true freshman. He kept working on his game before his best season came in 2014 when he had 5 goals, 5 assists, and 15 points in his junior redshirt season with Stanford. Verso needs a breakout senior year if he wants to get drafted in the first two rounds. Right now Verso looks like a third round pick.



  12. Amass Amankona, M, Dayton Projected Round 2nd Round Projected Team

    2015 Season Recap The 5-7 175 lb Amass Amankona had 13 goals, 5 assists, and 31 points in 2015. Dayton led the NCAA in scoring offense and total goals. Amankona also led Dayton in shots on goal with 35, 65 total shots, and a .538 shots-on-goal percentage in addition to leading Dayton in goals and points in 2015.



    Before 2015

    Amass Amankona played at the University of Ghana for one season before moving to North America to enroll in Dayton. Amankona had 5 assists in 2013. Amankona had 5 goals, 8 assists, and 18 points in 2014. Amankona needs a big 2015 season if he wants to go from being a late second to early third round prospect to solidifying himself as a second round prospect.



  13. Mitchell Taintor, M, Rutgers Projected Round 2nd Round Projected Team

    2015 Season Recap The 6-2 175 lb Michael Salazar had 5 goals, 5 assists, and 15 points in 2015. That's pretty damn good for a defensive midfielder as defensive midfielders focus more on playing defense than attacking on offense. Taintor did both in 2015, and that's why he got an invite to the 2016 MLS Combine.



    Before 2015

    Mitchell Taintor has a minimum of 2 goals in each season with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. That helped Taintor develop some consistency on offense despite being a defensive midfielder. Taintor had 3 goals, 1 assist, and 7 points in 2014. He needs to do a little more to avoid being a late third to early fourth round pick in 2016 with a strong 2015 season.



  14. Paul Clowes, M, Clemson Projected Round 3rd Round Projected Team

    2015 Season Recap The 5-9 155 lb Paul Clowes had 2 goals, 1 assist, and 5 points in 2015. Some believe Clowes is a better prospect than T.J. Casner or Kyle Fisher. Clowes is the third best player on Clemson in my opinion.



    Before 2015

    Clemson's central midfielder really needs to improve in 2015. Clowes looks like a mid round pick in round 3 at this point unless he has a strong senior year in 2015.



  15. Ty Thompson, M, Stanford Projected Round 3rd Round Projected Team

    2015 Season Recap The 5-8 165 lb Ty Thompson had 3 assists at central midfielder in 2015. Thompson has the versatility to play central midfielder or defensive midfielder in the MLS.



    Before 2015

    Ty Thompson is the son of Gregg Thompson. His older brother Tommy Thompson is on the San Jose Earthquakes. His younger brother Tommy Thompson will be a higher graded prospect in 2017. Thompson started at defensive midfielder during his freshman season. He moved to central midfield his next two seasons as a box-to-box midfielder.



  16. Josh Heard, M, Washington Projected Round 3rd Round Projected Team

    2015 Season Recap The 5-9 172 lb Josh Heard struggled with 1 goal, 2 assists, and 4 points in 2015. Despite regressing on offense, Heard showed the versatility to move from center midfielder to both wing positions at left wing and right wing while improving tremendously as a defensive defender. That versatility may get him drafted in the late third round.



    Before 2015

    Josh Heard had struggled his first two years at Washington. Heard had 7 goals, 1 assist, and 15 points in 2014. Heard needs to get 10 goals or best his 15 points as a senior if he wants to get drafted in the first three rounds.



  17. Tsubasa Endoh, M, Maryland Projected Round 4th Round Projected Team

    2015 Season Recap The 5-7 141 lb Tsubasa Endoh had 2 goals, 4 assists, and 8 points in 2015. Endoh showed good offensive and defensive awareness at Maryland. His lack of size makes him a depth player at best on an MLS roster.



    Before 2015

    Endoh had 6 assists in 2013. He struggled on offense after that though.



  18. Antonio Matarazzo, M, Columbia Projected Round 4th Round Projected Team

    2015 Season Recap The 6-4 185 lb Antonio Matarazzo is a defensive midfielder for the Columbia Lions. Matarazzo can get you a minimum of 1 goal per season.



    Before 2015

    Columbia's defensive midfielder is a three year starter. He's been consistent earning All Ivy Honors in 2013 and 2014. He had 1 goal and 1 assist as a freshman in 2012. In 2013, Matarazzo had 4 goals and no assists. In 2014, Matarazzo had 1 goal and 3 assists.



  19. Chase Minter, M, Cal Poly Projected Round 4th Round Projected Team

    2015 Season Recap The 5-9 150 lb Chase Minter had 7 goals, 6 assists, and 20 points in 2015. Minter has the versatility to play left wing, central midfielder, attacking midfielder, or right winger. That versatility and blazing speed makes him a first round pick.


    Before 2015

    Chase Minter had 7 goals, 5 assists, and 19 points in 2014. A 20 point season may get him drafted in the first round since he has the versatility and speed that scouts look for in an MLS prospect.



  20. Mikhail Doholis, M, Oregon State Projected Round 4th Round Projected Team

    2015 Season Recap The 5-9 170 lb Mikhail Doholis has lined up at attacking midfielder, left wing, central midfield, right wing, and even acted as a defensive midfielder. Doholis played a variety of roles as a senior getting 1 goal, 4 assists, 6 points in 2015.



    Before 2015

    Mikhail Doholis can play a variety of positions at midfield. He just needs to develop as a scorer otherwise he will be a depth player.



  21. Rodrigo Saravia, M, Florida Gulf Coast Projected Round 4th Round Projected Team

    2015 Season Recap The 5-11 170 lb Rodrigo Saravia had 3 assists in 2015. Saravia projects as a defensive midfielder in the MLS with his size.



    Before 2015

    Rodrigo Saravia is a defensive midfielder that can get 2 assists per year. He needs to do more as a senior if he wants to get drafted.



  22. Ryan James, M, Bowling Green Projected Round 4th Round Projected Team

    2015 Season Recap The 5-9 173 lb Ryan James is a crafty midfielder. He plays central midfielder, yet defends like a defensive midfielder. James had 4 goals, 5 assists, and 13 points in 2015.



    Before 2015 Ryan James carried a 3.78 GPA heading into his SPring Semester in 2015. James had 4 goals, 2 assists, and 10 points in 2012. In 2013, James only had 1 goal, 2 assists, and 4 points before having a career high 6 assists in 2014.



  23. Emmanuel Appaih, M, Cincinnati Projected Round 4th Round Projected Team

    2015 Season Recap The 5-9 160 lb Emmanuel Appaih had 5 goals, 6 assists, and 16 points in 2015. Appaih can play central midfielder or defensive midfielder. I'd have to think he will be a center midfielder since he's not big enough to be a defensive midfielder in the MLS.



    Before 2015

    Emmanuel Appaih is a good defensive midfielder. He has some durability issues and does not score enough on offense with two consecutive seasons of season ending injuries along with 3 injuries in 4 years.



  24. Tariq Akeel, M, Brown Projected Round 4th Round Projected Team

    2015 Season Recap The 6-1 170 lb Tariq Akeel had 4 goals, 2 assists, and 10 points in 2015. Akeel has the versatility to play left wing, attacking midfielder, right wing, central midfielder, and defensive midfielder. Versatility and defense are Akeel's two biggest strengths.



    Before 2015

    Tariq Akeel had 6 goals, 3 assists, and 15 points in 2013 as a sophomore. He didn't do as well in 2014 and needs to rebound with a huge 2015 season if he wants to get drafted.



  25. Nestor Jaramillo, M, Wofford Projected Round 4th Round Projected Team

    2015 Season Recap The 5-11 175 lb Nestor Jaramillo had 6 goals, 3 assists, and 15 points in 2015. Jaramillo should do well as an attacking midfielder in the MLS. Jaramillo led Wofford to a 3-1 win over Furman against goalie Sven Lissek.



    Before 2015 Nestor Jaramillo showed versatility right away at Wofford. Jaramillo played left wing, atttacking midfielder, right wing, and central midfielder during his first two seasons. Jaramillo had 8 goals, 6 assists, and 22 points in 2014. Jaramillo needs another strong season if he wants to get drafted, but the versatility is there.









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