Scouting America: Does John Anthony

Brooks have star potential?

Posted by Alex Labidou

John Macdougall/Getty
ImagesGerman-American John Anthony Brooks has helped lead Hertha Berlin to stunning start
in the Bundesliga.
In 2009, Neven Subotic broke the hearts of many United States soccer fans in deciding to play
for Serbia. Now in 2013, those same fans hope German-American John Anthony Brooks's future
will be much different.
Over the past four years, Subotic has become a defensive juggernaut at center back, starring in a
dynamic defensive duo for Dortmund with Mats Hummels, winning back-to-back German
Bundesliga titles between 2010 and 2012. In comparison, out of the U.S.'s current crop of
featured center backs, only Omar Gonzalez has had league success winning the MLS Cup twice
with the Los Angeles Galaxy. It's clear to see that the center of the U.S. defense lacks top level
experience and Sporting KC defender Matt Besler has been the only consistently reliable option
thus far.
The U.S. coaching staff likely believes Brooks can help solve that issue. ESPN FC spoke with a
Champions League club scout based in one of Europe's top-three leagues (England, Germany,
Spain) to gain his assessment of the young defender and the scout is very impressed with his
potential.
"He's got a great technical base and a great physical presence to him," the scout said, choosing to
be anonymous to give an honest assessment. "Playing in one of Europe's top leagues at 20 years
old speaks volumes and he'll only continue to get better with more experience."
Brooks has already secured a starting position for Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga and has
impressed in his opening six games. The recently promoted side has turned heads as it is

currently battling for a Champions League spot in fourth place with 15 points. Brooks has played
a big role in the Hertha's success. With his towering 6-foot-4 frame, he is a threat on both sides
of the field and he plays with a confidence that is expected from a player in his late 20s, not one
who just exited his teenage years in January.
"His range of passing is fantastic and gives any team that he plays in options when he's on the
ball," the scout explained. "Midfielders know he can play that devastating line-splitting pass
through the opposition, while strikers should always be alert to his ability to play longer driven
balls forward.
"While some center backs shy away from playing those longer exploring passes because of a
lack of confidence, Brooks excels in this department."

Matthias
Kern/Bongarts/Getty ImagesJohn Anthony Brooks is great on the ball.
Still, U.S. fans have every right to be guarded in their optimism. As a result of an arm injury in
late September, the U.S. missed its only chance to cap-tie Brooks until next summer's World
Cup. As the center back's profile grows in Germany, there is a very real possibility that he could
spurn Jurgen Klinsmann's advances and side with the country where he was born. While most
German-Americans who have been capped to the U.S. have remained loyal, Timothy Chandler's
wavering for years made him very unpopular with both the teams' fans and coaches.
If the U.S. wants to secure Brooks, it will likely have to guarantee playing time to him, which
would be unfair to players like Gonzalez, Besler and Clarence Goodson, who have all paid their
dues.
"Klinsmann's current crop of defenders has the advantage of having been with the team in
multiple camps and multiple competitions heading into the World Cup," the scout stated.
"On paper, Brooks is interesting because he plays in the Bundesliga week in and week out and
faces arguably the best competition compared to the likes of Gonzalez and Besler, but Klinsmann
will want his back four to be a comfortable and cohesive unit when the competition starts. It
wouldn't hurt to play him in several competitive friendlies as the tournament approaches, though,

to see how he does.

"Is he a shoe-in for a spot to Brazil? No. But it is hard to overlook an exciting 20-year-old who is
playing regularly in the Bundesliga."
Both Brooks and Klinsmann have an interesting decision ahead.
Here's the scout's evaluation:
Strengths:
"Brooks' distribution makes him very interesting for the future of the U.S. national team. He's
technically very good, especially considering he's 6 foot, 4 inches, and teams are always looking
for naturally left-footed players."
"Defensively, his physical presence will always make him difficult to get around. He's become
better and better at timing his last-gasp tackles and seems to get a couple in every game he plays
in. He's brave and isn't afraid to throw himself into a tackle if its needed. Central defensive
positions are oftentimes reserved for older, more experienced players, but Brooks' confidence
and mature demeanor helps greatly make up for that lack of experience."
Weaknesses:
"That lack of experience at the top level can be seen at times in Brooks' game but its natural and
part of the learning curve."
"Though he's often very good at timing his sliding challenges to perfection, the fact that he finds
himself on the ground so often in matches indicates that his starting position isn't always the best.
A defender like Paolo Maldini was able to play into his late 30s because of his ability to read the
game so effectively. As play develops, it sometimes just takes one or two steps to the right or the
left to anticipate a pass or movement. At the moment, Brooks lacks that little bit of quality in his
awareness, but it'll certainly improve if he continues to play against the Bundesliga's best
attacking talent."
"Also, despite his great size, Brooks' can also look to improve his aerial ability. Teams look at
their central defenders to impose their authority on a game whenever a ball is in the air, and
Brooks at times struggles to do that. Being tall is one thing, but being powerful and strong in the
air is another. If Brooks can instill that tenacious attitude into his game, he will be very difficult
to get past."
Similar Player: Jerome Boateng

Martin Rose/Bongarts/Getty
ImagesJerome Boateng has become a top player at Bayern and similar to John Brooks, started his
career at Hertha Berlin.

"They've both got great presence at the back and are comfortable on the ball with fantastic
passing ranges. Boateng is clearly far more experienced at the moment having played in two
Champions League finals and both the European Championships as well as the World Cup for
Germany, but Brooks is still young and will get his opportunities if he continues to improve."
"Also, interesting to point out that Jerome started his career at Hertha as well."
Ratings (out of 5):
Dribbling: 3
Finishing: 2
First Touch: 3
Passing and Vision: 4
Speed: 4
Aerial Ability: 3
Strength: 3
Injury: 3 (where 1 means he gets injured a lot and 5 means he's always fit)
Maturity: 4
Defense (Marking, Tackling): 4
Total Score: 34 out of 50
Potential Score: 40
Ratings Meter:
0-10: Not even NASL level
10-15: Average NASL player
15-20: MLS Role Player
20-25: MLS Starter

25-30: MLS All-Star

30-35: Starter on mid-, low-table EPL side or role player on top team.
35-40: A solid starter on a top EPL club
40-45: A legit star player
45-50: Thiago Silva, Hummels, Vincent Kompany
Current transfer fee: $5 million
Future transfer fee: $10 million to $15 million

Lucas Piazon, Ferreira-Carrasco and a

Spanish full-back on the rise
Posted by Christopher Atkins

GettyImagesVitesse's Lucas
Piazon scored a brace against Heerenveen.
The Scout's Notebook returns with its weekly review of youth talent around the world and, on
this occasion, features three youngsters whose goalscoring contributions this weekend will only
serve to add to ever-increasing hype regarding their development.
The trio -- Vitesse's Brazilian forward Lucas Piazon, Monaco's Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco and
Sevilla's Alberto Moreno -- are all regular first-team members at their respective sides and have
all featured at some level for their national teams. They are, though, all further adding to their
reputations with impressive starts to a season that has brought each player a raft of new
challenges and difficulties.
Let's, then, look at our three burgeoning stars and their standout performances this weekend:
Lucas Piazon inspires Vitesse comeback
At 2-0 down away to Heerenveen on Saturday evening, it did not look as though Vitesse would
be returning home to Arnhem in good spirits after 50 minutes of the two sides' Eredivisie clash.

However, three goals "made in Chelsea" -- if you'll excuse the pun -- saw Piazon and his
colleagues claim a 3-2 victory in the final minute thanks to a wonderful effort from left-back
Patrick van Aanholt.
There was nothing particularly special about either of Piazon's goals in the comeback, but it was
the manner of his overall performance that impressed greatly -- as it has been for much of the
campaign. Once Vitesse came into the game, though, the Brazilian was a constant threat on the
left flank. A swept left-footed finish brought his side back into the game, while his second was a
touch fortunate as a floated back-post free kick evaded everyone and snuck into the corner of the
net.
He would also go on to play a major role in Van Aanholt's winner. A swept ball into the left
channel was chested down well, stretching play before checking his run and playing a simple
pass back to the advancing full-back. While his colleague's sumptuous strike could not have been
expected, the Brazilian's work-rate and quality even in the final minute of the game helped to
seal the triumph.
He must still work on cutting out some basic errors at times, but at just 19-years-old has plenty
of time ahead to refine his all-round game. Chelsea invested a lot in his talent a couple of years
ago and, at the time, there were doubts over the investment. Since arriving in Europe, though,
Piazon has made steady progress and, with Vitesse, looks to be thriving in the free-flowing
environment that the Eredivisie has to offer. He is, certainly, a player to keep an eye on for the
remainder of the campaign.
Ferreira-Carrasco stars in Ligue 1
Belgian attacking midfielder Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco was a major feature for AS Monaco last
season and, despite fears he would lose his place as part of their summer overhaul, has remained
a nigh-on permanent presence on the left-wing this campaign.
The 20-year-old has played well this season without contributing greatly in terms of either goals
or assists. However, he was everywhere in the opening minutes of the clash with Sochaux this
weekend and saw his work-rate rewarded with two opportunities that were calmly dispatched
past goalkeeper Simon Pouplin.
Monaco, though, were unable to hold onto their two-goal advantage in what was a first major
sign of weakness this season. With their mishap, the principality side surrendered their lead at the
top of the table, with reigning champions PSG now two points clear at the summit of Ligue 1.
With a good season at Monaco, the young winger undoubtedly has a chance of making next
summer's World Cup with Belgium. Both Kevin de Bruyne and Nacer Chadli are out of favour at
club level for the time being, while there will almost certainly be injuries between now and next
summer. He is excellent technically, his work-rate would help any side and, given his versatility,
he would be a useful figure in any 23-man squad.
Ferreira-Carrasco has been a hugely influential figure in the rise of Monaco from Ligue 2 over

the past year and he must surely be a candidate for inclusion in Marc Wilmots' side even at the
current time. A major role in a title challenge, though, would of course very much help his case.
Alberto Moreno continues to attract attention

GettyImagesSpain and Sevilla youngster Alberto Moreno.

In the past few weeks, this column has discussed the rise of Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke and
how his impressive start to the season has propelled him into Vicente del Bosque's plans for the
World Cup next summer. However, Koke may be far from alone in graduating from Spain's
victorious Under-21 squad of this summer to the senior squad over the next 12 months.
Real Madrid's Isco has long been an obvious candidate, as has Barcelona's Thiago, but it would
appear that Sevilla left-back Alberto Moreno may be the surprise package that makes Vicente del
Bosque's squad for Brazil next summer. Just a year ago, Moreno was playing at B-team level for
his club side and, indeed, it was only with the arrival of Unai Emery in February that the
versatile youngster was promoted to senior level for use at left-back. By the summer, though, he
was already first-choice for Spain Under-21s and, just last week, he would make his senior
international level.
Moreno, of course, can rely on impressive speed and stamina to push up and down the left flank
throughout the game. What particularly stands out about his game, though, is the intelligence he
shows in his positioning and in interplay with teammates. Such is his intelligence that, this
weekend, he was back in a left midfield role and adapted with ease to his more attacking role -- a
position he played many times at youth level. The 21-year-old got himself on the scoresheet to
give Sevilla a 2-0 lead on the half-hour mark and, while the Andalusian club conceded their lead
later in the tie, Moreno could not be faulted.
He will now likely make Spain's squad at the World Cup next summer as backup to Barcelona's
Jordi Alba, yet if the former-Valencia man struggles to recover fitness and form, Moreno may
well find himself in a first-team role. Over the summer, Liverpool were linked with a bid for his
services and the Reds were highly unlikely to have been alone in enquiring as to Moreno's
availability. If he can maintain his current form over the coming months, interest is likely to
expand exponentially by January -- yet alone next summer.
Much has been made of Spain's long-identified talents such as Thiago, Isco and Gerard Deulofeu
for many years now. Moreno, though, could be one of the best of what is a hugely talented
bunch, having emerged almost from nowhere in what has been a tremendous 2013 calendar year

for the rising star of Sevilla's much-changed side.

For further discussion on any of the players featured in The Scouts Notebook, Christopher can
be found on Twitter @chris_elastico. More of his work profiling rising talents can also be
found at TheElastico.com.

Scouting America: How will Juan Agudelo

fare at Stoke?
Posted by Alex Labidou

Anne-Marie Sorvin/USA
TODAY SportsJuan Agudelo is widely regarded as the United States best homegrown prospect
and will join Stoke this January.
Since Juan Agudelo's professional debut at 17, he's been long heralded as a big hope of America's
soccer future. Now 20 and on his way to English Premier League side Stoke next January,
Agudelo has shown fans glimpses of how talented he can be but has also reminded them how
much work lies ahead.
For all of Agudelo's bright moments -- a game winner on his United States national team debut
or a stunning overhead kick against D.C. United while with the New York Red Bulls -- he's had
his share of warranted criticism, as well.
Agudelo is on his third team in his third full professional season in Major League Soccer.
Considering how restrictive the league's salary cap is, young, talented and affordable (Agudelo
makes $175,000 per season) talents aren't usually traded away by MLS clubs. But Agudelo's lack
of consistency, along with questions about his attitude, have hurt him.
Agudelo has never scored more than six goals in a season during his time in MLS, with his
current run of six goals in 10 games being his best stretch in four years of being a pro. The young
striker's maturity has also been questioned by various general managers and European scouts.
Some executives have pointed to his misguided retweet of a Sky Sports report sending him to

Celtic, without a concrete deal on the table, as a sign that he has some growing up to do.
Still, with a strong 6-foot-1 frame and a nose for goal, Agudelo has the tools to be a top attacker
in Europe. To gauge his potential for success in Europe, ESPN FC spoke with a scout currently
employed with a Champions League club in a top-three league in Europe (England, Spain and
Germany). The scout was willing to give his honest assessment of Agudelo as long as his identity
wouldn't be revealed.
Here's the scout's evaluation:
Strengths:
"Juan's physical attributes will certainly help him as he continues his career. He's a big kid at just
over 6 feet tall and he knows how to use his body well. He's comfortable playing with his back to
goal and operating as a target man for his team. With his back to goal he is good at bringing
others into play and combining with his teammates, but he's also capable of getting in behind
with his speed and acceleration.
"He has a natural desire to be in and around the goal area whenever the ball is in dangerous
positions, which can't be taught. He displays good technical ability and is quite creative in the
final third. His goal against Chicago recently is a perfect example of that creativity and technical
ability coming together."
Weaknesses:

Stew Milne/USA TODAY SportsNew England is Juan Agudelo's third team in three years.
"Though he often does find himself in good spots, he's not the most composed player in the box.
"He's certainly not short of confidence but he lacks that little bit of calm in the box that turns

good strikers into great strikers. He also needs to improve his awareness of time and space in the
final third as he continues to develop. Too often he takes too many unnecessary touches when he
could play one or two touch and just move the ball quicker.
"Though he is quite confident dropping off into the midfield to get the ball to his feet, his lack of
awareness of what is around him at times gets him in trouble with his first touch, which forces
his second touch to be a tackle."
Why Agudelo will succeed:
"He's naturally gifted and physically very imposing. Clubs are always looking for a guy who is
able to hold a ball up but also for a player who looks to get in behind.
"He's also shown in the national team that playing on a big stage isn't an issue. Before others will
believe in you as a player, you have to believe in yourself and I don't think that'll ever be an issue
with him.
"A move to Europe will see him get better aerial service from wide areas, especially at Stoke,
where wide players are used to picking out bigger targets centrally, which means he'll have more
opportunities in front of goal if he continues to get into good spots."
Why he won't:
"He'll definitely need to improve that awareness along with his first touch if he is to make it in
England's top flight. Defenders are used to dealing with some of the most intelligent attacking
players in the world, and his movement off the ball will heavily dictate whether or not he
succeeds. When he does get the ball, he'll have to improve his first touch and learn how to play
much quicker.
"His attitude will also play a big role -- will he arrive with that huge willingness to learn, or will
he arrive thinking he's made it?"

John Peters/Man Utd/Getty ImagesJuan Agudelo has similar skills to Javier "Chicharito"
Hernandez but hasn't consistently produced like the Mexico striker did at Guadalajara.
Similar player: Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez
"The Mexican international has improved dramatically since his move from Guadalajara to
Manchester United before World Cup 2010. Hernandez is among the best in the world when it
comes to his movement in the box. He's capable of getting in behind with well-timed runs but
he's also confident enough to demand the ball to his feet. Technically, the Mexican isn't world
class but he rarely needs more than one touch when he scores his goals because of his movement
off the ball.
"Like Agudelo, his creativity and ability to improvise in front of goal has to be applauded.
Unlike Agudelo, however, Hernandez was scoring regularly in Liga MX before his move, with
21 in 28 league appearances before he signed for United."
Ratings (out of 5):
Dribbling: 3
Finishing: 3
First touch: 3
Passing and vision: 3
Speed: 4
Aerial ability: 4
Strength: 4
Injury: 3
Maturity: 2
Defense (marking, tackling): 3
Total score: 32 out of 50

Potential score: 34
Ratings Meter:
0-10: Not even NASL level
10-15: Average NASL player
15-20: MLS Role Player
20-25: MLS Starter
25-30: MLS All-Star
30-35: Starter on mid, low-table EPL side or role player on top team.
35-40: A solid starter on a top EPL club
40-45: A legit star player
45-50: Messi, Ronaldo, Bale
Current transfer value: $1,000,000
Future transfer value: $3-7 million

Serbia's youngest debutant hits international

scene
Posted by Christopher Atkins
Name: Andrija Zivkovic Age: 17 Club: Partizan Belgrade
Position: Winger Nationality: Serbia

Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty ImagesAndrija Zivkovic, left, became Serbia's youngest international

player Friday in a match against Japan.

Partizan may have lost Lazar Markovic to Benfica this summer, but the flow of talent out the
club does not appear to be stopping. In recent years, the club have released Zoran Tosic, Matija
Nastisic, Stevan Jovetic and Adem Ljajic into the wider world of European football.
While Markovic is yet to prove himself at those levels, the 19-year-old has the ability to be the
best yet of what is a talented bunch. However, within just months of his departure, the club may
well have found the next another replacement from within their youth ranks -- Andrija Zivkovic.
Only 17 years old plus 80 days, the left-footed wide forward made his debut for Serbia against
Japan on Friday night, becoming the youngest player in his national team's history. Following
four goals in his opening six appearances in the Serbian Super Liga, the young speedster was
fast-tracked into the national team setup and, on the hour mark, replaced Tosic to make his
international debut.
His arrival has been long anticipated, with the 1996 generation at Partizan one of great promise.
Central playmaker Daniel Pantic made his first-team bow at the end of last season and is still just
16, while fellow creative midfielder Sasa Lukic is already in regular action for feeder club
Teleoptik alongside centre-back Miladin Stevanovic. Wide forward Milan Radonjic, meanwhile,
is another talked about as a potential future star. Zivkovic, though, is the diamond of the group.
What is impressive about the 17-year-old is his versatility, with the teen able to play all across
the attacking midfield three in a 4-2-3-1, or as a second striker. For much of his career with
Serbia's youth sides, he has started from the right flank, looking to use his pace to escape down
the line before cutting inside onto his delicate left foot to shoot or find an assist. If needed,
though, he is more than capable of using his right foot to cross or get an effort on goal.
Given their similarity in ages, he will find himself frequently compared to the aforementioned
Markovic in the future. While Markovic is predominantly right-footed and often operates from
the left flank, Zivkovic is the inverse and equally potent. He has great close control when
running at pace and, with the ability to beat his man on either side, opens up a number of
attacking angles for his side.
Sadly for Partizan and their wonderful academy system, they are once again unlikely to see the
best of the youngster. He will turn 18 next summer and, should he continue impressing, it will be
an impressive achievement if they can retain his services into next season.
Add in 21-year-old winger Milos Jojic, who scored as a late substitute against Japan, and central
playmaker Nikola Ninkovic, an 18-year-old who made a name for himself last campaign, and it
would seem that Partizan will have to face up to another summer of their best prospects being
plundered. Amazingly, though, they are continually able to rejuvenate from within their own
youth systemfor the most part.
Zivkovic still has a long way to go to prove himself at senior level, but his first few months have
been nothing short of electric. If he can even maintain something close to his current
performance levels until January, it will be interesting to see if any outside interest emerges -although he will not be permitted to leave until June.

Serbia have not been enjoying the best of times at international level in recent years, but as more
young talents seem to continually emerge at Stadion Partizan, they should be able to bounce back
in fine style at coming tournaments.
For further discussion on any of the players featured in The Scouts Notebook, Christopher can
be found on Twitter @chris_elastico. More of his work profiling rising talents can also be found
at TheElastico.com.