Upcoming Potential MLS Outbound Transfers
Over the course of the last two years we have seen an emergence of activity leaving the once dubbed “Farmers League” making their way to Europe’s top five major leagues. We have seen the likes of Vancouver Whitecaps wonder kid Alphonso Davies make his rise to stardom under supervision of German giants Bayern FC just recently sealing the year with a champions league victory against the French titans PSG lead by the likes of the unstoppable Kylian Mbappe and Neymar. We’ve seen Miguel Almiron’s rise in Atlanta FC swiftly land him a starting eleven spot in the historic Premier League side Newcastle United FC. He, like Davies played pivotal roles for their respected clubs in their first year playing out of the MLS. Davies has become such a delight to watch play he has already been considered one of the best left backs in world football at just age 19. Its clear to see that there is becoming an expedited source of talent coming out of the acadamys and the playing field for the MLS. With this excitement boiling around the league its time to take a look at the next round of prospects making waves.
Mason Toye:
Having come off a season long loan at his USL affiliate team Forward Madison, Mason Toye has started making ripples throughout the league as a tall athletic striker. Looking back at his performance from last year he held a significant role in the Minnesota United squad. With only 847 minutes played throughout 18 appearances, roughly equalling out to one half of football per game he managed to secure his team six goals along with two assist. Measuring in at six feet three inches Mason is taller than most center backs he faces. As stated in this article, the average height at the 2018 World Cup for center backs was just around six feet. Mason’s naturally tall body allows for him to play a unique play style that isn’t easily replicated by smaller strikers. Because of his size he becomes a serious aerial threat whenever the ball enters the box. Oddly enough, most of Toye’s goals haven’t been won in aerial duals. For such a young talent Toye has showed incredible composure within the box. Repeatedly seen caressing the ball to his feet, although the header opportunity is there, and then sliding the ball neatly into the side netting. His finishing is clinical and shows the “ice in his vein’s” trait that is needed in any quality striker. Toye has done a wonderful job diversifying his goals between his predominately right foot and his “weak” left foot. He’s scored three goals with both feet. As seen below in the graph showing the top prospects under 22 with at least .5 goals involved per 90 it becomes clear to see that Toye is on the correct trajectory to becoming one of Europes next transfer targets.
Toye as been praised for his incredible work ethic, being relentless on the opponents pitch as well as tracking back to help the defense. He reminds you of Liverpools Bobby Firmnho the way he tracks back on defense to help build out of the back. To think all of this is built into a tall athletic striker at only 21 years old gives hope that under the right guidance Toye’s potential is limitless. His play style would fit well in leagues like the Premier League where he could play a support number nine role and drop back slightly to receive a header or play a ball into flanking wingers to help create diversity in an attacking game plan. Toye has the attributes to play like other well known tall strikers in Europe such as Tammy Abraham and Erling Haland. Potential is just that, potential. Given the right grounds to grow Toye has the attributes to excel at the next level wherever that may be.
DEFENDERS
It’s been said recently that there is a real lack of quality world class center backs in football. This has grown evident throughout the recent Champions League where scores were recorded as 8–2, 4–0, and multiple 3–0 victories. It seems as though the progression of offensive play has outpaced that of its defense counterpart. This leaves teams looking for hidden talents throughout the world to help fill these vast voids in their center backs. Taking a look at the top young defenders throughout Europes five major leagues and the MLS shows there isn’t a lot of diversity. There is an unprecedented talent coming out of Liverpools camp in the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has been on a tear since becoming a routine in the title winning side. Looking for similar talent has become increasingly difficult within Europes major leagues leaving us to the likes of the MLS and other smaller leagues.
Chris Durkin:
Having joined the D.C United academy at the age of 11 Durkin has proved himself throughout the years. Providing leadership under the captain role for the U-17 US National Team, he has proved he has the attitude and determination to help lead a team to victory. Measuring in at six feet Durkin is allowed a universal role between center back and a holding midfielder position. This diversity has helped craft his game as his on ball skills are above average for any center back. He made 13 appearances for D.C United in the 18–19' season recording one goal and helping secure 7 clean sheets. For such a young defender Durkin has showed patience in his tackles only accounting for one yellow card during that span. This skillset of being a in and out defender first has helped Durkin progress throughout his career. He was recently loaned from his MLS club to Sint-Truiden in Belgiums first division. Allowing Durkin to get a feel for football in Europe will tremendously help his career and future as a professional. He will be playing in the same league that crafted talent such as the Premier League Player Of The Year Kevin De Bruyne and most recently just sold center back Leander Dendoncker to the Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers who managed to finish just outside of the top 6. You could draw similarities between Dendoncker and Durkin as they both play center back and holding midfield roles for their respected clubs. They aren’t touted for their marvelous passes or exquisite finishes but these two are exceptional at breaking up play and winning the ball back for their sides. Hopefully with the recent switch Durkin can excel his level of play and gather interest from Europes top five major leagues.
