MLSSoccer.com’s Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle recognized the Seattle Sounders’ Cristian Roldan as one of four young, domestic central midfielders having success so far this season.
Roldan joins FC Dallas’ Kellyn Acosta, D.C. United’s Ian Harkes and Toronto FC’s Marky Delgado on Doyle’s list, which highlights the rise of Homegrown No. 8s (box-to-box or two-way central midfielders).
“Three of the four are Homegrown players (Delgado originally came through Chivas USA's academy, and Roldan was acquired through the SuperDraft). And all four of them are central midfielders.Here's the part that's kicking around in my head: None of the four is really a No. 6, and none is a No. 10. All of them are various types of No. 8.That's not to say they're all exactly the same type of player. Acosta is the best of the bunch at getting forward as a goalscorer while Harkes is the most creative passer. Delgado has insane range and stamina, and Roldan is probably the sharpest in terms of understanding defensive shape.”
You can read the full article on MLSSoccer.com here.
