Donovan Taylor '18 Recruiting Profile

COACH QUOTES:

Manchester Utd's treble winning Jonathan Greening - "What a player Donovan is, if I got the opportunity to coach Donovan fulltime in the future I'd be absolutely buzzing." 

Kevin McCarthy previously of Columbia University. - "Donovan is dynamic player that combines excellent technique with a tactical ability to play in multiple positions. His D1 level athleticism is seen in the assertive ball winning qualities as well as his drive to attack from forward positions or out of the back. Donovan also impressed me with his determination and ambition in joining our select squads and International Developmental Festivals though the majority of our players come from the east coast. He always displayed the best of character on and off field in all these environments."

High School Head Coach, John Snyder- "Donovan is an exceptional all-around player. His touch on the ball is second to none. He theoretically could play at any position except goalie. I've used him at center midfield because his vision and passing ability are tremendous. He can switch the field and hit you in stride. He makes everyone around him better because although he can dribble two to three guys at a time, he keeps the offense moving because if you are open he will find you. Guys love to play with him because he is unselfish and he inspires them with his aggressiveness and effort. As for shooting, he strikes the ball extremely well. He has great power and accuracy in both his right and left foot. I've seen Donovan hit lasers from 30 yards out on numerous occasions--right on target. You would be hard pressed to find a more talented player in all of Arizona. He is hands down the most talented player I've ever coached." 

About me:

Being born and growing up in the UK, my passion for soccer or football as I call it, was stemmed from a very early age, I say it is in my genes. I'm not afraid of hard work and you will often find me in my free time working on areas of my game I feel I need to strengthen. I have been told my biggest attributes are vision, speed and ball control (with both feet) therefore feel my strongest when playing as a winger or attacking midfielder where I can give assists and be a playmaker. I also often play forward and wingback when needed.

Over the past few years during my summer breaks I have had the privilege of being able to travel for training. In 2015 I attended the Next Gen Camp in New York where I was identified and then invited to travel as a select squad player to the IMG tournament in Florida.  (Please see event notes). I attended the Next Gen camp again, summer 2016 and was privileged to be invited back to the select squad for IMG 2016 where we ultimately won the tournament. Summer of 2016 continued with a trip to the UK where I was invited to participate in the i2i International Soccer Academy for 4 days in York, receiving phenomenal training from former EPL, English & Scottish National players. I then went to Scotland to visit family and train with the SPFL, League 2, Annan Athletic first team. This is the fourth summer I have been able to train and play with the club.

I enjoy school work and do not shy away from challenges. I attend a charter High School, which is an International Baccalaureate school that sets high standards and focuses on responsibility and characteristics that will help me through life. While playing for my high school team I scored a left footed goal that was the ultimate winner of a nomination for the Play Of The Week by AZ3 News.