The OPSM Ottawa NextGen Combine featured 108 male players that travelled to Canada’s capital to play and showcase themselves in front of over 50 coaches from top colleges and universities in America and Canada and numerous professional clubs in Canada. In collaboration with the coaches in attendance at the event, we’re presenting the Best XI from the event.
Antonio Di Bartolo- Goalkeeper
Antonio Di Bartolo delivered an outstanding performance at the OPSM Showcase, earning himself All-Star honors with his incredible shot-stopping abilities and decisive saves. Known for his confidence on the ball and a sharp understanding of the game, Antonio stood out as a reliable presence between the posts.
Brody Perkin
Brody Perkin showcased his skills as a remarkably consistent left-back during the event, catching the eye with his well-rounded abilities. His strong tactical understanding and impressive technical skills make him a standout on both ends of the field.
Brody excels in getting involved in the attack, often pushing forward to support his team offensively while maintaining his defensive responsibilities. His solid 1v1 defending ensures he’s a reliable barrier against opposing wingers, giving his team confidence in crucial moments.A left-back with versatility and composure, Brody Perkin is one to watch as he continues to develop
Evan Semple
Evan demonstrated exceptional leadership and composure, proving himself to be a cornerstone for his team. His ability to read the game and organize the back line sets him apart as a natural leader on the field.
With a strong physical profile and solid defensive skills, Evan consistently stood tall against challenges, providing both stability and confidence to his team. His presence on the ball and tactical awareness allow him to anticipate plays and keep his defensive unit in perfect sync.
Evan’s mix of leadership, game intelligence, and defensive strength makes him a standout player and an exciting prospect
Axcel Massimbo
A true defender, Axcel delivered top performances at the event marked by grit, determination, and an unrelenting presence on the backline. His aggressive style and no-nonsense approach made him a top standout.
Axcel’s recovery speed and leadership were standout qualities, enabling him to shut down attacks and organize his team effectively. His commanding presence and relentless attitude embody the meaning of a defender, earning him the respect of teammates and opponents alike. A powerhouse at the back, Axcel is a player who thrives under pressure and exemplifies defensive excellence.
Miguel Campos
Miguel Campos earned himself the nickname “Rodri” for his performances at the combine in midfield. Miguel was the MVP of the combine. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game was beautiful to witness, showcasing both intelligence and composure on the ball.
Miguel’s impressive range of passing allowed him to seamlessly connect plays and control the flow of the match, while his sharp shooting added another layer to his offensive ability His technical skill and vision made him the heartbeat of his team, consistently setting the standard for excellence on the field.
As the MVP of the combine, Miguel “Rodri” Campos has proven himself as a dynamic and intelligent midfielder with a bright future in the game. Keep an eye on him as he continues to make waves
Finley Popp
Finley, Maestro lived up to his name during the Showcase, demonstrating a remarkable ability to orchestrate the game with precision and flair. Constantly scanning the field and anticipating plays, Finley’s situational awareness stood out as one of his defining traits. His brilliance in navigating tight spaces was a highlight of his performance, showcasing composure and creativity under pressure. Despite being a 2008-born player, Finley displayed maturity beyond his years, making him a standout prospect with immense potential.
With his advanced understanding of the game and natural talent, Finley is a player with a high trajectory and one to watch closely as he continues to develop
Velan Arul
Velan took command of the midfield and made sure everything flowed through him in attack. Defensively, he was aggressive, winning tackles and breaking up plays with determination, while offensively, he worked tirelessly to create opportunities and drive his team forward.
Velan’s consistency in both defensive and offensive duties highlights his well-rounded game and work ethic. As a midfielder, he continues to grow and refine his skills, making him a player to watch as his career develops. With his leadership and versatile play, Velan is certainly a name to keep an eye on as he rises through the ranks
Luka Trodovic
Despite being the youngest player at the Showcase, born in 2010, Luka proved that age is just a number with an exceptional performance that caught the attention of scouts and coaches alike. His game understanding and physical presence on the field made him one of the standout players of the event.
Luka’s work rate and tactical awareness in finding space showcased his maturity and intelligence, highlighting his potential to excel at higher levels. His ability to read the game and make impactful plays at such a young age points to a high trajectory ahead.
Luka is a player with a tremendous future, and as he continues to develop, he will undoubtedly be one to watch
Reinaldo Abraham
Reinaldo made an immediate impact on the first day of the Combine, stunning everyone with a brilliant hat-trick that showcased both his flair and clinical finishing. As the best attacking player at the event, Reinaldo’s ability to beat defenders in 1v1 situations was exceptional, but it was his natural talent for scoring that truly set him apart
With pace to outrun defenders and an unselfish attitude to find his teammates, Reinaldo demonstrated the full range of qualities needed to thrive in the attacking third. His performances were a joy to watch, and it’s clear he has the potential to shine at higher levels.
Reinaldo’s combination of skill, vision, and goal-scoring ability makes him a standout prospect
Ralph Khoury #10
Ralph is the type of striker the game often misses, his clinical goal-scoring ability was on full display, showcasing not only his knack for finding the back of the net but also his versatility as a forward. Ralph’s ability to beat defenders with ease, coupled with his sharp finishing, makes him a constant threat in the attacking third. Whether creating chances for himself or capitalizing on opportunities, Ralph’s presence up top is both commanding and dangerous.
Elijah Fondjo
Elijah emerged as a standout attacking presence, proving to be a nightmare for defenders. His fearless approach on the ball, combined with exceptional dribbling ability and creativity, made him one of the most exciting players to watch.
Elijah’s quickness and ability to glide past players with ease were truly impressive, leaving defenders struggling to keep up. His flair and unpredictability in the attacking third demonstrated his potential to become a game-changing player.
Stay tuned for the announcement of our Women’s Combine Best XI and check out the Network for updates on upcoming events.
WOMENS NEXT GEN COMBINE
