Caden Clark: America’s Next Golden Boy?

Written by Martin, @BlondeOrigi, on March 8th 2021.

The United States has seen a recent rise in youth prospects going to Europe and thriving. From Christian Pulisic at Chelsea to Giovanni Reyna at Borussia Dortmund, this wave of American players is bringing hope to a nation yet to experience a true ‘golden generation.’

Their next big thing in waiting is New York Red Bulls and USYNT (U.S. Youth National Team) midfielder Caden Clark. Just 17-years-old, Clark has made waves this season in the big apple. Born in Minnesota, at just 13-years-old Clark moved to Casa Grande, Arizona to join the Barça Residency Academy.

One of the top academies in America, the Barcelona affiliate boasts that “every graduate has earned a college scholarship or signed a professional contract.” While there, Clark stood head and shoulders above the rest. Clark became the only player from the Arizona academy to train at La Masia on multiple occasions, generating interest from Barcelona and other European clubs.

In February 2020, He moved to New York Red Bulls II, the MLS club’s development team who play in America’s second division. In just 12 appearances, Clark recorded three goals and five assists before getting called up to the first team in October. On his debut, Clark scored a game-winner against Atlanta United.

He followed this up in his next game with a late equalizer against Toronto FC. Scoring one more goal in a playoff loss to Columbus, Clark finished his MLS season with three goals in 8 appearances and plenty of hype behind him.

A number 10 at heart, Clark’s playmaking is one of his brightest traits. While his pass completion rate was just 55.7%, the context of his passing shows confidence in his playmaking ability. When on the ball, Clark always looked forward and tried to create dangerous chances in behind the defence or engage in quick linkup play instead of playing negative passes. Clark also was hungry to take on players and showed his clean technique at such a young age, only being dispossessed 1.3 times per 90.

Clark’s positional awareness and ability to find space is an incredible trait for someone his age. His left foot rocket from outside the box against Toronto shows the raw technique Clark possess when striking a ball, something he’ll continue to develop in time.

Off the ball, Clark showed determination to work back and defend for the team, averaging 3.5 tackles and 1.9 blocked passes per 90. Because of this, he can play as an 8 in a 4-3-3, and also lined up as a right-winger at times, tasked with tracking the opposing full-back.

Clark’s next step will take him to Europe after a deal was struck with Red Bull’s sister club RB Leipzig in January. Because Clark does not have an EU Passport, he must wait until he turns 18 to join the German club, and will officially move on January 1st, 2022.

Clark will follow the footsteps of midfielder Tyler Adams, who moved to Leipzig from New York in 2018 and has since become an integral part of Leipzig’s squad. While Clark has only 356 MLS minutes under his belt, the hype behind him is more than justified as he hopes to be America’s next Golden Boy.

Written by Martin, @BlondeOrigi.