Continuing our look at the top players that D.C. United may be choosing from in the MLS Superdraft, here's a look at Darlington Nagbe. Also, be sure to check out the SBNation.com mock draft, in which bloggers representing all 18 clubs will be drafting this Wednesday Jan. 5 at 9:00 PM.
Soccer By Ives called Darlington Nagbe the best attacking player in this draft class, and I don't think I can disagree. The Liberian forward has been compared to other recent successful draft choices Steve Zakuani and Teal Bunbury. If he's like either one of those players, Nagbe should be taken first overall, and he would be an absolute steal for the goal-depraved D.C. United at the No. 3 spot.
Nagbe had seven goals and 13 assists for Akron in 2010, starting all 25 matches. Zakuani and Bunbury each won the Hermann Trophy while playing at Akron the past two years. The smart money is on Nagbe winning the award when it is given out this Friday.
Akron coach Caleb Porter described Nagbe's abilities to the Plain Dealer.
"Darlington is 'special special,' " raved Akron coach Caleb Porter. "He is unlike anything I've seen in college soccer. He's one of the most explosive guys over 5 to 10 yards.
"His balance, change of pace and ability to turn on a dime is incredible.
"The little touches, his vision, how he can dribble at full speed with the ball on his foot like it's Velcro . . . It's all what I think makes him the best college player in the country -- hands down."
Plus, his name is f*ckin cool. Darlington Nagbe. There's no way this kid won't be a star.