Andrew Wenger

Date Of Birth: December 25th 1990



Place of Birth: Pennsylvania, United States of America



Height: 6'0



Position: ST (CF), CB







How the MLS works...



In the MLS there are not many academies you can graduate out of when you are "good" enough. This makes it hard to spot homegrown talent as easy. The way they try and counter that is drafting players through Universities.









Draft History...



Now, since there is an MLS Superdraft each season he was the most wanted player this year. Due to the oddity of Andrew in his University career is why I decided to profile him. Wenger went 1st overall to Montreal Impact this season. Montreal just joined the league this season as well in the Expansion Draft.









University career...



This is where Wenger made a name for himself as the most sought after player this season. When in Duke University his freshman year (2009) was less than prolific. He had lead the team with most minutes that season (1,896) but scored only four goals and three assists. The coaches realized there was problem. Next season (2010) they decided on a ruling. He was to moved to center back. In that season he started every match for Duke University and won an award for being the best Defensive player in the league. However he was in for a surprise the next season. The following season (2011) he was moved back to Striker. That season he scored 17 goals for Duke University. He lead the league and won and award for being the best Striker. That spelled the end of his University career and sparked the interest of almost every Major League Soccer club in the nation.









Career...



Due to him only being drafted this season he has not had much game time and there is not much information. He has scored 4 goals in 14 appearances for the club and has not started many. You would think a talent of his would get a lot of game time especially when Montreal are a new team in the MLS. That is not the case as Jesse Marsch had done his homework and scouted half of the Ex-Italian national team. Names like Marco de vaio (ex-Bologna), Alessandro Nesta (ex-AC Milan), Mateo Ferratti (ex-Roma/Parma), Bernado Corradi (ex-Manchester city/Udinese). Last I checked he wants Michel Bastos as well. As you can see it makes it hard for a Young player even for his caliber to play regularly every game.











International...



He has earned to call ups to the United States U20's where he did not score in either.









Individual Honors...



- 1st overall in MLS SuperDraft



Best Center Back in the University League



Best Striker in the University League



Hermann trophy, which is awarded to the best Female an Male College/University football players.











Would he make it in the Premier League...



I think he would do fine in the Premier league in a couple of Seasons. Give him time to play with the Italian internationals and get used to fighting for a spot. Mentally he has the ability to play in the premier league as he reads the game well. Physically he may have a problem and would need to bulk up a bit. Due to him reading the game well he does not need to be as physical when he plays Center Back (which he hasn't this season). If i was to relate him to a player, he reminds me of Peter Odemwingie of West Bromwich. They are both quick and can score goals under the right systems. Hodgeson had Odemwingie on a great run last season and I feel given the right management you could see the best out of Wenger. I don't feel he will be better then Landon Donovan as a player if he go's abroad.









Strengths: - Quick, Reads Game well, Very versatile



Weaknesses: - Strength, One System player







JLFC - Ed036.