My Unbiased Observations From the Generation Adidas Cup

The 2024 GA Cup just wrapped up with Valencia CF winning the U-15 bracket and Philly Union winning the U-17 division.

Over the past week, I streamed many of the games on Apple TV. The tournament did not disappoint. Quality soccer/football was being played by the MLS NEXT and international teams.

Here are my observations from the tourney…

There’s Little Difference in Technical Abilities

Many Americans will complain that European teams are way more technical than the U.S. I didn’t notice it at all.

The MLS NEXT Acadamies were equally as technical individually and as a team.

You may find a difference in the younger ages but most of the teams had superior skills for 14, 15, 16, and 17 year-olds.

I would argue that some of the U.S.-based teams were more technically sound than their international counterparts.

At these age groups and levels, most of the players are exceptional at their position. They possess the traits that make them play for the pro academy. Many also represent their countries.

Skills That Made a Difference in the GA Cup

I’ve seen a lot of high-level youth games over the last several years and there are some common traits that elite players possess. Some of these may sound obvious but they were confirmed after watching the games.

• Forwards: They will put themselves in opportunistic positions all the time. Whether it’s a ball that deflects off the keeper or a run to the box, the most effective forwards find the goal without the ball. Very rarely was a banger scored. When strikers and wingers get the ball, they attack with one thing in mind…score or drive deep for a cross.
• Midfielders: The best midfielders use tight dribbles but lay it off quickly. They will then run hard to find open space to get the ball back. Being able to scan and turn is underrated. They attack hard to make tackles. They attack the goal to create more scoring opportunities for their team.
• Defenders: The most elite defenders are disciplined and fearless. They will keep their position but aren’t afraid to make a tackle if the opposition is in front of them. They are great at using their shoulders and keeping their balance. Offensively, they will find the outlets to spark a counter.
• Goalkeepers: The best keepers have a swagger about them. They are confident and won’t let one play keep them down. They feel like they can make any save at any moment.

The Attention on Cavan Sullivan is Not Fair

Cavan Sullivan is the next best thing in U.S. soccer. I’ve said it before and MLS has pumped his name out there.

But, I found myself glued to his every move and it’s not fair.

I’m sure he gets judged for every touch, the way he runs, and his attitude. The spotlight is shining bright on him.

It’s so hard to predict his future. And, we shouldn’t. Let’s let the kid develop and play.

Here’s why we should let go of the Sullivan talk…

• He is 14 and plays on a U-17 team. Does he appear better because of it? Would he dominate the U-15 division or look better than average?
• The U-17 Philly Union team is really good. There’s more than Cavan Sullivan. They also have Neil Pierre, Anisse Saidi, Jamir Johnson, and Diego Rocio. They are all great players.
• The more the media (us) hypes up the kid, the higher the bar gets set. I do think he’s going to be a special player but who knows! He’s only 14.

Teams that Impressed in the GA Cup

Some unexpected teams impressed me in the GA Cup. These academies have a promising future with some young ballers who will undoubtedly become pros at some point.

U-15 Teams

• Toronto FC
• Arsenal
• Valencia CF
• Brondby IF
• New York Red Bulls

U-17 Teams

• LA Galaxy
• Philadelphia Union
• PSV
• Flamengo
• Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors

No Room For Racism

The New York Red Bulls U-15 and U-17 teams withdrew from the tournament over allegations of racist comments.

These comments were directed at players by Mexico’s CF Monterrey and Croatia’s Hajduk Split.

In the first case, the alleged perpetrator was suspended by the team in the next game. The second incident resulted in the player being sent off the field.

There is no room for racist comments in these tournaments.

I get that trash talk exists but there is a line that should never be crossed in any type of game.

Red Bulls’ U-17 star midfielder, Adri Mehmeti, posted the following on Instagram:

“What has happened these past two games is completely inappropriate and has changed our team forever. The extreme lack of action taken by the league is unacceptable and has left a feeling of untrust and uncertainty in the hands of our safety and well-being while playing in this event and our games back home. We hope this situation will bring light to an ongoing problem in the game of football and in our world. Thank you.”

I thought it was a great move for the U-15 Red Bulls to withdraw from the competition. A solid sign of solidarity.

I’m glad action was taken. You can only hope that the individuals, teams, and league learn from this incident.

Final Thoughts on the Generation Adidas Cup

Overall, the tournament was fun to watch. We were only able to watch a select number of games but they were all quality matches.

I do think the line is more blurred when talking about the top youth teams in the U.S. and internationally.

MLS NEXT continues to grow and develop strong players which is making a difference. We’ll eventually see it at the national level in the coming years.

I would love to see more tournaments like this across other leagues as well.

Even within our own country, it would be exciting to see tournaments like MLS NEXT compete against ECNL and NAL teams.

Or, on the girls’ side, Girls Academy and ECNL competing in a national tournament.

👆Maybe wishful thinking on my part!

The next MLS NEXT event is the MLS NEXT FLEX from May 10-14, 2024 in Boyds, Maryland. Stay tuned!