With the 2012 MLS SuperDraft around the corner, the final additions to the draft class are being made through the Generation adidas process. Over the next week, MLSsoccer.com's college/youth expert, Travis Clark, will reveal and analyze the 2012 members of the GA class.
Today, we take a look at North Carolina midfielder Enzo Martinez, who is the latest addition to the 2012 Generation adidas class.
1. He can be a game-changer.
Best when deployed in the middle of the park, Martinez is another player who fits the bill of a classic No. 10. A clean player with the ball at his feet, he sparked North Carolina’s attack with nine goals and 10 assists, finishing with 22 goals and 20 assists during three years at UNC.
2. He’s a winner.
During his three seasons at North Carolina, Martinez reached the College Cup with the Tar Heels each year, coming up short on the first two occasions. He started both games in the most recent edition of the College Cup, where he left his mark as UNC finally captured an elusive title. Along with that accomplishment, he won three state titles in four years during high school in South Carolina.
3. He comes from a unique background.
Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, Martinez immigrated to Rock Hill, S.C., when he was 10 years old. After making the adjustment to a new country, he eventually played for Discoveries Soccer Club and was a standout at Northwestern High School before heading to North Carolina.
4. He already has a philanthropic side.
Off the field, Martinez has already discovered the art of giving back to the community in which he spent many of his formative years. Shortly after winning the College Cup, he hosted a soccer tournament in Rock Hill on Dec. 17 to benefit a local charity, the third straight year he’s organized the event.
5. He’s a bit like…
Paolo Cardozo. A bit more size than his Uruguyan counterpart, Martinez has all the craft and guile you’d expect from a player with South American roots.
