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Posted by
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October 11, 2015 |
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Aaron Nielsen
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Since I have given my take on the recent Canada U-20 call ups and Canada's U-23 squad at the 2015 CONCACAF Olympic qualifiers, it’s only fair that I give my own take on Canada's squad for the upcoming friendly with Ghana on October 13. This is a critical friendly in preparation for the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers that starts November 13 in Vancouver against Honduras.
Now is a time for celebration, in my opinion, at least on paper with players such as Junior Hoilett, Marco Bustos, and Fraiser Aird being called into the team. Part of me feels that you need literal proof you are full Canadian International from a senior team cap and would have preferred to see both Bustos and Aird with the Olympic team. However, I understand it is important to give these players and Hoilett their Canadian debuts to guarantee them as Canadian Internationals. But with that being said, I'm surprised to see names like Jordan Hamilton and Lucas Cavallini called up, when anyone who watched the CONCACAF U-23 game against United States would know forward options would be needed for that team, as well Samuel Adekugbe could have helped at left back.
I understand it is a difficult job for the CSA to manage the Canadian National Team and the effort the players put in representing Canada. One of my issues with Canada in the past, especially during the last Qualifying stage, is this idea of guaranteed status when either the player is not performing for the national team or their club team. Personally, I would rather play players from the U-20 team who I know will be fully committed and who can be further developed, than playing someone who in all honesty isn't that accomplished in global football, but might be sold to the public in that fashion.
In my own work I cover 60 of the top leagues in the world, which happens to cover the complete career of most players called into the team. Admittedly, I don't cover leagues like the 2nd Division in Turkey where Tosaint Ricketts has spent some of his career, but I do cover leagues that are probably regarded a lower standard, such as USL and NASL here in North America. Outside of the potential surrounding Cyle Larin, Canada has no stars in the game, but players who have to this point developed good careers for themselves and play a role, where if used properly could be an asset to a team including the Canadian National Team.
Goalkeepers
Milan Borjan, PFK Ludogorets (Bulgaria AFG)
Canada's number one has had an interesting football career playing in Argentina, Serbia, Turkey, Romania and currently in Bulgaria. His career highlight most likely came with playing for Ludogorets in the 2014-2015 UEFA Champions League at Anfield against Liverpool. He signed a three year deal with Ludogorets last June and hopes to continue playing in Europe's biggest competition as the Razgard are one of the top clubs in Bulgaria, including winning the championship last season. Now under a secure contract, Borjan can concentrate more on his role with Canada and will play an important part if Canada was to qualify.
Kenny Stamtopoulous, AIK Stockholm (Swedish Allsvenskan)
After struggling in net for Toronto FC in 2007, it’s to Kenny’s credit he is still being called up and playing for Canada at 36 years of age. Part of the more current success comes from playing with one of the top Swedish clubs, AIK Stockholm, although mostly used as a back-up playing only a handful of games since 2013. Kenny also played in Greece as well as the top division in Norway with Tromso, Lyn, and Fredrikstad. Stamtopoulous has played 18 games for Canada and has performed well of late, especially in this summer’s Gold Cup. He provides good back up for Borjan for the 2018 Qualifiers.
Simon Thomas, Stronman (Norway 1st Division)
After years of developing at the Vancouver Whitecaps, Thomas has tried his opportunity in Europe first with Newport County in League Two of England, where he didn't get a game, and now as the starting keeper with Stommen in the Norway’s 1st Division, which is actually the second division in Norway. Thomas has played 24 games of his 25 leagues game and is currently mid-table with Thomas accumulating a nine win, ten loss, five draw record and has allowed 28 goals. With a number of prospect- type keepers with MLS clubs it will be difficult for Thomas to establish himself as Canada's number 1.
Defenders
André Hainault, 1.FC Magdeburg (German 3.liga)
Starting his career with the Montreal Impact, at the time a USL Pro club, Hainault has had a well- traveled career, playing games in Czech Republic, Scotland, Germany and with MLS. With top division clubs, Hainault has played in 155 games, scored eight goals added four assists and helped the Houston Dynamo to two Eastern Conference Championships in 2011 and 2012. Since leaving MLS, he has struggled a bit going from Ross County in the Scottish Premier League, VfR Aalen in the German 2. Bundesliga and now sees himself in the German 3.Liga with newly promoted side 1.FC Magdeburg. Still only 29, hopefully his career is not in a downturn as he has been a strong representative with Canada already accumulating 42 caps.
David Edgar, Sheffield United (English League One)
Unfortunately another player who has slipped down divisions since first signing with Newcastle United as a youth player. Edgar made his Premier League debut with Newcastle in 2006-2007 including scoring an exceptional goal against Manchester United. Edgar stayed with Newcastle until 2009 before moving to Burnley where he established himself as a sold Championship level player, although after failing to secure a starting role with Birmingham City is now on Loan with Sheffield United. Edgar is now 28 and has played 151 career league games, scoring eight goals and adding three assists, while being sent off three times. He has shown his dedication to Canada and is a useful asset, although I think he needs a move maybe even to MLS to re-establish himself as a key contributor.
Adam Straith, Fredrikstad (Norway 1st Division)
After six years in Germany, Straith is now playing in the Norway 2nd League, the 1st Division, with Fredrikstad, so far playing 17 games this season and scoring three goals. During his time in Germany Straith played 83 games between the 2.Bundesliga and 3.Liga and scored two goals. The 25 year old came through the Vancouver Residency and arguably where his career in Europe is now would be better off playing in MLS or NASL. Straith has played 29 games with Canada, making his full debut as a 19 year old.
Marcel De Jong, Sporting KC (MLS)
One player who has made the transition to MLS recently has been Marcel De Jong, who signed with Sporting KC and has so far played in 13 games this season scoring one goal and adding an assist. Prior, Marcel had a long youth career with PSV Eindhoven and played in Holland’s Eredivisie and in Germany’s 1.Bundesliga playing 183 league games and adding eight goals and six assists. De Jong could be playing for a contract extension trying to help Sporting KC make the MLS playoffs this season, although could also be an option for a Canadian MLS club in the off season as he's currently on an average MLS salary.
Manjekar James, Diosgyori VTK (Hungary NB1)
James comes from the Sigma FC Academy and had
trials with teams in Spain and Germany. He signed with Pecs in the
Hungarian top division NB1 where he played 16 games, scoring a goal,
although Pecs were relegated to the fourth division in Hungary after
financial issues. James side with fellow Hungarian club Diosgyor a
middle of back team in Hungary. James was made his senior debut in 2015
in the friendly against Iceland and also was called for the World Cup
Qualifiers and fits Floro interest being an athletic defensive minded
player.
Karl Ouimette, New York Red Bulls (MLS)
It was quite a surprise when Montreal waived Ouimette last February, although to his credit he was given an opportunity by the New York Red Bulls this season and has played well in the chances he has been given. After playing 20 MLS games with the Impact, Ouimette has played 10 games with the Red Bulls this season as well as scoring two goals in six games with Red Bulls II. Ouimette’s proven to be a strong tackler and a good crosser, although has struggled with his passing and needs to improve consistency if he wishes to remain in MLS. The 23 year old has made 11 appearances with Canada's Senior Team since his debut in 2013.
Wandrille Lefevre, Montreal Impact (MLS)
Born in France, Lefevre trained with Montpellier before coming to Canada to play soccer at the University of Montreal. In 2011, Lefevre was signed by the Montreal Impact in NASL where he played two games with the club. He signed a homegrown contract with the Impact and has since made 31 MLS appearances, scoring two goals and helping Montreal win the 2013 and 2014 Canadian Championship. Lefevre has good technical skills including a +80% passing completion and now a Canadian citizen he could challenge more established Canadian defenders for playing time.
Samuel Adekugbe, Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS)
Adekugbe is a player I have liked when I have seen him play with the Whitecaps and this season in two games with the Whitecaps II club in USL. He has had some injury concern but he has looked strong in the 13 games he has played with the Whitecaps and should be challenging players such as Ashtone Morgan and Marcel de Jong in this role with the senior national team. The one concern has been willingness to foul which has got him into yellow card trouble and might make 1v1 defending especially in the box although at 20 years old a player with good upside.
Nana Attakora, San Antonio (NASL)
You have to give Attakora credit for sticking with the game after, in my opinion, being treated unjustly by Toronto FC. While with Toronto FC, Attakora had as much ability and potential as other defenders on the club, and in my opinion, is a player TFC should have used better diplomacy to keep him as a long term project with the club. Since being traded to San Jose, Attakora has played in Finland and now plays with San Antonio in the NASL. Nana recently was granted his green card which makes him a domestic player in the States, so it looks as if he has good options and still only 26, a player who could play a role with Canada going forward.
Midfielders
Junior Hoilett, Queens Park Rangers (English Championship)
I'm not as critical as others regarding Hoilett’s choice not to play for Canada when he was younger, although I do feel the reason he made the decision now is he is looking for a move to MLS. Like Edgar and Hainault, Hoilett could see himself being loaned out or falling divisions if he remains in Europe as he is not looked upon as highly now especially with QPR. Hoilett has played over 200 games, many in the Premier League, has scored 24 goals and added 14 assists, although even during his best seasons with Blackburn Rovers, I didn't see him as such a high prospect as others. That being said, he brings a much needed skill set to Canada and if he is successful for Canada and his club in Europe or MLS, he's a big pick up and he could be a long term partner for Larin and Akindele upfront.
Fraser Aird, Glasgow Rangers (Scottish Championship)
A player I talked highly about in my preview for the Olympics, and despite being born in Toronto, a great catch for Canada as Aird has played games with both the Scotland U-17 and U-19 teams. Aird has been playing with Rangers FC in their quest from going from Scottish 2nd Division to the Premier League and are currently in the Scottish Championship. Aird has played 59 league games with Rangers, scoring nine goals and adding 13 assists with 37 shots on target playing a winger, can also play Right Full Back and is player who at 20 should have an impact for the Canadian team for years to come.
Kianze Froese, Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS)
I'm not as high on Froese as the other uncapped players invited to the camp, although Froese has done well to work his way through the Vancouver Whitecaps system and being called into the first team this season. Froese was born in Havana, Cuba, and it could be argued that with Cuba becoming a more open country, he could have chosen to play for them opposed to Canada. An appearance against Ghana will change this, although I can say at this time I see Froese as a long term option for Canada. The 19 year old has played 15 professional games between the Whitecaps and the USL team and scored a goal for each this season. If Froese can establish himself as a midfielder with a goal scoring touch, that could help Canada going forward.
Charlie Trafford, KuPS (Finland Veikkausliiga)
Following in his older brother's footsteps to Finland (Mason Trafford of the Ottawa Fury), at 23, Trafford has established himself as a solid midfielder in Finland's top flight. A late addition to the Canada roster, Trafford is a player some have been calling for Floro to take a look at based on some good performances and goal for KuPS. He was the 2014 player of the year for the club and he looks to have improved on his displays this season. Finland is a league where one can quickly hop over to more competitive domestic leagues such as Norway, Sweden and Denmark and should Trafford be able to take the next step, he would make a strong case for more call ups to Canada.
Kyle Bekker, Montreal Impact (MLS)
Bekker should be commended for establishing a career for himself in MLS, now currently with the Montreal Impact. Bekker has played 41 professional games and scored his 1st MLS goal earlier this season. He was one the first topics of conversations for me on RNO, with my concern of where he was drafted and this idea he can be attacking midfielder. Bekker has transitioned himself to more a holding role where I thought he could be successful, although compared to the talent around him I still see him more of a NASL or USL player than an MLS player.
Maxim Tissot, Montreal Impact (MLS)
Maybe the most successful player from the Impact Academy, Tissot is establishing himself as a first team option in MLS and helped Montreal win the 2013 and 2014 Canadian Championship. He has played 36 MLS games, scoring three goals. Tissot is comfortable shooting from distance but has struggled with his passing as well as his tackling, and defensive contributions needs to improve especially in the role as a left sided midfielder/defender. Tissot has played a major role for Canada in 2015 playing in seven games since his debut against Iceland last January.
Marco Bustos, Vancouver Whitecaps II (USL)
The Canadian prospect I have the most hope for is developing into a game changing player. Bustos’ highlight reel is equal to those of the top young players in Europe. He has also shown a track record at all levels he played so far. Bustos has scored 53 goals in USSDA, including 16 goals in 12 games in 2014-2015, and scored seven goals in 17 games for the Whitecaps II USL club this season. Bustos also played well with Canada's U20 team at the 2015 CONCACAF Championship, although he is still looking at making his MLS and Senior National Team debut.
Manual Aparicio, Toronto FC II (USL)
When Aparicio wasn't called into Canada's U23 club my guess would have been it was based on performance, as in games I watched this year I thought Samuel Piette, Jay Chapman, Mauro Eustáquio and even Chris Mannella had stronger seasons. Apracio signed a homegrown contract with Toronto FC in 2013 and played well while on loan with Wilmington last season and looked good in Toronto’s friendly this season against Manchester City. Although with TFC II, Aparicio failed to make both an offensive impact or added much leadership and was actually subbed off fairly early in many games this season.
Forwards
Simeon Jackson, Barnsley (English League One)
I would have loved to see Simeon Jackson playing in MLS during his prime, or a smart Toronto FC team try to sign the striker when he was establishing himself as a goalscorer at the English League Two level, including a 20 goal season with Gillingham. Maybe still the best finisher for Canada, Jackson has now played 313 career games and scoring 97 goals, more than all the other call-ups combined. However, he has struggled in recent seasons to rediscover the form that had him a key player in Norwich City’s promotion in 2011. He hasn't had the same ratio for Canada, with only six in 44 games and now on the bench in English League One with Barnsley, and despite being only 28 he could becoming close to the downturn of his career.
Tosaint Ricketts, Boluspor (Turkish 2nd Division)
As mentioned, I don't have the complete career of Ricketts which has seen him play 138 games and scoring 24 goals in Finland, Romania, Turkey and Israel, and despite being known for his poor finishing he has scored 12 goals in 44 games for Canada, including five in 2015. Ricketts is known for being a hard worker and a player who gives it all each time out, although the end results in these games can frustration which has haunted Tosaint throughout his career. In 2014-2015 his lack of finishing in Israel saw him moved to a defender, but the effort he put in also saw him start most of Hapoel Haifa games, which explains Ricketts in a nutshell.
Marcus Haber, Crewe Alexandra (English League One)
We all know what Haber provides with his 6'3 frame and his effort on the pitch, the question becomes is this a necessary asset for the Canadian National Team? Haber has struggled to score goals throughout his career with only 29 in 186 career games playing in USL, Scottish Premier League and now English 1st Division. What he provides is a player who can hold the ball up and hassle defenders in your traditional English Footballing style. I respect Haber for his effort, including 19 appearances with National Team, although he will need to improve his rate and value if he is to continue to be an option for Canada in the future.
Lucas Cavallini, CA Fenix (Uruguay Primera)
Almost as surprising as Hoillet joining the team was the recall of forward Lucas Cavallini, who in the past said he regretted being cap-tied to Canada and had no interest playing for us. Cavallini has been playing in Uruguay since 2012 and has proven he can play in that league, although there has been some hope that success in the Primera could lead a move to larger club/league including Europe. He has played 76 games in the Uruguay Primera and scored 29 goals adding nine assists, 82 shots on target and finished in the top five in league scoring last season. I feel he is another player who could make a successful transition to MLS if given the opportunity.
Jordan Hamilton, Toronto FC II (USL)
I'm surprised to see Hamilton called up to this team as I would have expected him to be on the Olympic Team. It has been a tough road for Hamilton and if hindsight the better option for him was probably the NCAA route. With Toronto FC, Hamilton has struggled to get games with the first team. He did play 20 games with Toronto FC II this season but only scored three goals so there are signs that he needs develop further and maybe a better thought out feeder team then Toronto FC II had this season could see Jordan make a comeback as he certainly has the talent to do so.
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Aaron Neilsen is a co-founder of Prospect XI (Prospect Eleven), a scouting network and online magazine dedicated to tracking/highlighting young players that refer to as "prospects" as well as their development pathways both within North America and worldwide. Follow PXI via www.prospectxi.com or on twitter @ProspectXI.
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