The New York Red Bulls have quite an academy system brewing. This year alone, we have seen three former academy players make big impacts on the Red Bulls senior team. Graduates Connor Lade, Sean Davis, and Alex Muyl have had big roles in the Red Bulls success this season. Unfortunately, the Red Bulls have lost Connor Lade for the rest of the season due to an ACL injury. But for Muyl and Davis, they have both talent and age on their sides. The two homegrown talents have recently found themselves in the starting lineup and both are making the most of it.
Sean Davis and Alex Muyl Future US Stars
Sean Davis
Age:23
The former Duke University standout saw very limited playing time in 2015, appearing in only 14 matches and making just four starts. Coming into 2016, most expected Davis to have much more impact on the team. However, with the chemistry and success of the Red Bulls midfield for most of the season once again playing time was limited.
In this season, Davis has made much more of the limited time he has seen. Appearing in 15 matches so far, Davis has scored two goals and tacked on three assists. In these appearances, Davis has shown much skill and poise. With each game he seems to grow in confidence and with the injury to Dax McCarty, Davis will see much more playing time. As he grows in experience and skill, in no time Davis will also give some much needed help to a very lack luster USMNT midfield.
Alex Muyl
Age:20
Muyl is a much more raw player compared to Davis. Being another homegrown player out of the Red Bulls’ Academy, Muyl has found himself in the starting XI in his first season. Getting his first start back in late June, Muyl has found himself as regular starter in the Red Bulls’ potent midfield.
What Muyl lacks in skill, he makes up for with grit and a great work ethic. The midfielder averages between six and seven miles covered per game. Still a very young player, Muyl has quite a few aspects that he needs to improve upon before becoming an elite player.
First, he needs to have a calmer head in the final third. In many games this season, Muyl has had good looks at goal and has failed to convert. His only goal this season coming in the 7-0 rout of NYCFC. Second, Muyl needs to be smarter about his fouling. At times, it seems Muyl forgets the game situation he is in and makes unnecessary choices. However, with a little time, both Davis and Muyl can give the USMNT some much needed stability in the midfield.
