The first stop on the 2015 TDS Combine series was St. Louis. With a number of college coaches from every level in attendance, the Combine was an ideal platform for some of the best in the Midwest to showcase their talents.

Here are the best XI and other standouts from the event.

TDS Combine: St. Louis Boys Best XI

GK Austin Wormell, TSC Hurricane, 2017 – Wormell impressed with not only athleticism but his technique as well. He is good with the ball at his feet. He has the composure and maturity to play out of the back. 

D Andrew Heider, Lou Fusz, 2018 – For one of the youngest players at the combine, Heider showed maturity beyond his years. He is smart, great in 50/50 challenges, and does well playing out of the back.

D Zach Hall, Saint Louis Scott Gallagher, 2016 – Hall really came to life in the 11v11 games. Technically and tactically on point, he was always an option in possession with his technique and quality on the ball.

D Justin Schmidt, Metro United, 2016 – Schmidt organized the defense well and showed great vision when playing out the back. He has a good frame, is pacey out wide and added width in 11v11 games. He has a good speed of play for the next level.

MF Aubrey Reis, Lous Fusz, 2016 – Reis is technically and tactically solid and showed good composure on the ball. Off the ball, he is a hard worker and recovered into shape quickly.

MF Ben Barkley, Tulsa United, 2017 – Barkley like his name sake Everton midfielder Ross Barkley, buzzed about in the offensive third, making a nuisance of himself and trying to create and find that penetrating pass. He is a good possession player.

MF Trent Williams, Sporting Blue Valley, 2016 – Williams is an athletic box to box midfielder, with the ability to play as a holding mid or as an attacking mid. He showed well in the full field games and is technically solid.

MF Ian Clendenin, Lou Fusz, 2017 – Clendenin showed great technical prowess throughout the combine, linking well with the forwards and getting some scorching shots off. He covered a lot of ground and was very busy in the middle.

F Connor Williams, KC Legends, 2017 – Williams is a physical forward, with good speed. He showed good movement up top, and linked up well with the midfielders.

F Ben Huels, Chicago Fire, 2017 – Huels is the type of forward who likes to drop a little deeper into the ‘10’ role. He is a good size and holds the ball up well. The most impressive attribute he has is his ability to read the game on and off the ball. He is comfortable with the ball at his feet, linked up well and also showed his explosive pace in the first few yards, bursting away from defenders on the dribble.

F Adam Habib, Tulsa United, 2017 – Habib is a hard working forward, constantly buzzing along the back line. He left the coaches and crowds gasping and in awe with a back heel nutmeg on 1v1 to the left by line during full field games. He showed great technical ability and was always willing to take risks to create chances for himself.

 

Honorable Mention

GK, Lucas Cline, Scott Gallagher, 2017

MF, Roy Lohman, Lou Fusz, 2017