Five MLS wonderkids Borussia Dortmund should monitor
By Eli Brand
Chris Brady
Americans have long been known for their ability to produce goalkeepers even prior to their more recent improved talent production. Following Gabriel Slonina’s move to Chelsea from Chicago Fire, up stepped Chris Brady. At the age of just 19, Brady compares really well with recent MLS goalkeeping exports.
When compared with Matt Turner, Gabriel Slonina and Zach Steffen, Chris Brady is second in post shot expected goals saved to only Matt Turner in his final MLS season. He is already an elite shot-stopper and also claims a significant amount of crosses.
Brady plays in a very direct system at Chicago Fire, averaging just over 3 short passes of his 27 pass attempts per game. He really struggles with his long range passing, completing around 35% of these passes. This is considerably lower than Slonina, Steffen and Turner. However, at just 19 years of age, Brady has all the attributes to improve.
Gregor Kobel is regarded as one of the most talented goalkeepers in Europe at the moment. So Borussia Dortmund are unlikely to want to sell him anytime soon. But if a bigger club comes calling, scouting players like Chris Brady would ensure that the Black and Yellows are prepared for all eventualities.