From the NYCFC Academy to NYCFC?

Throughout New York City FC’s preseason, various academy players have popped up in both training and matches. One of those players is center back Tyler Shaver, of Greenwich, Conn. He was recently called up to the NYCFC Academy, but previously spent time with one of club’s youth affiliates, Beachside SC. Shaver is a dual citizen of the United States and England, and was named to the U.S. U-17 Men’s National Team back in September. The 17 year old has taken advantage of his EU passport in the past by trialing with West Bromwich Albion.

Mickey Kydes, Beachside SC’s Technical Director, has known Tyler since he was in “7-year-old travel.” Speaking with Greenwich Time, Shaver credits Kydes “for furthering his development as a player.”

Shaver, who is committed to play at Stanford, fits in with NYCFC’s defensive philosophy of playing out of the back. “(He) can play any type of ball out of the back,” said Kydes.

Shaver had suffered a bad knee injury, but is now back to full fitness. Kydes highlighted Shaver’s leadership, mentality, and attitude as some of the best parts of the young defender’s game. He still needs to improve his aerial ability, but Kydes stressed that he has been working on that.

The amount of praise that Kydes had for Shaver’s leadership ability really stood out. Putting it bluntly, he simply called him a leader — which is an essential skill for a center back. Even if Shaver ends up attending Stanford, he will likely be very useful to NYCFC down the line. “He is just going to get better and better because he has the internal fire,” added Kydes.

For Shaver to continue developing he will need to stay healthy and be challenged. Whether that challenge is in the NYCFC Academy, Pac-12, USL, or NPSL, it doesn’t really matter. NYCFC need to continue pushing their academy players, so they will be ready if Vieira and the first team come calling.

What do you think? Who will be NYCFC’s next Homegrown signing? Leave your thoughts, comments, and ideas below.