I usually don't follow players this young, but I came across this story and thought it was interesting due to his relation to a USSF coach and also because he is a natural left-footed player which are still a bit rare in the US system. The 14 year old nephew of Hugo Perez has been splitting time with Italian club Fiorentina (of course unable to transfer as he is under 18) and the Chivas U-16 team. http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/play...701/Perez-returns-after-trial-with-Fiorentina
I know the family, and its a matter of time that he gets signed. I know he's been going out to Fiorentina for the last 2years.
This kid's awareness and technical ability is far superior to players his own age. Fiorentina would be an excellent destination for him to land.
http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/arti...icleTitle=joshua-perez-shines-at-u15-bnt-camp Still improving...
He's committed to UCLA as a 14 yr old? He seems like the talent that is definately professional bound. Firoentina or Chivas USA?
I'm sure UCLA is the college he'd attend IF he chose to do that first. But let's be serious-UCLA is his backup, and barring major injury this kid will turn pro as soon as he can, whether it's Fiorentina, Chivas USA or elsewhere.
I don't see UCLA either. He's almost 15. I've been told there is some magic about being 14 and 1/2 with regard to training (I have no idea what this could be, but the source is pretty good), so I'm thinking that if he's not going to Europe by Jan he will do so by this summer.
It's interesting. It's somehow confirms my anecdotes based empiric theory that 16-20 is a wrong time to go to Europe. Better really early,but if not, than at reasonably mature age.
I've brought this up over and over. We simply don't have many players who go to Europe at the age come back and be productive players for us. Spector (17) and a debatable inclusion of Landon Donovan (17-19) are the only ones currently on in the pool who can reasonably be considered first team options for the US. The rest all went to college or played a bit in MLS.
How would he be able to go to Europe? Does he have access to a passport we're unaware of, or is the family willing to move?
J.R. Eskilson @JREskilson FT: U.S. U15 BNT 4-2 Strikers. Goals: Joshua Perez (x2), Orrin Gaines, and Hugo Arellano. #usyn J.R. Eskilson @JREskilson Joshua Perez's dad is on the sidelines wearing an ACF Fiorentina sweater, which is somewhere between amusing and strong foreshadowing.
We shouldn't overhype Perez (or any other youth player, for that matter), but he is pretty good: CARSON, Calif. – The most meaningful moment for U.S. Soccer fans from Tuesday night’s scrimmages at the Home Depot Center between the U.S. U15 Boys National Team and two local Development Academy squads was not a goal or a save, but rather a defensive play. Joshua Perez careless hit a square ball across the middle of the field that was easily intercepted in the opening game against Strikers FC. Instead of bellowing at teammates, Perez put his head down and raced back to cover for the players who had ccommitted forward. Forty-five yards later, Perez had chased down the player, won the ball back, and already started to move possession forward into an advanced position. The first goal of the game came unassisted on the score sheet, but it was a delicately designed run by Joe Gallardo that opened everything up for the U15 BNT. Perez with the ball on his feet 35 yards from goal on the outer left flank cut inside onto his right foot. Gallardo darted across the Strikers backline and drew the eye of both center backs with his run. That was all Perez needed to cut up field and fill the space that Gallardo left open. With the composure of a seasoned veteran, Perez easily placed his shot into the corner of the net for the opening strike. http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/club-soccer-articles/perezs_brilliance_sets_tone_aid27820