Andrew Farrell: Everything You Need to Know About the Top Pick in the MLS Draft

The New England Revolution traded up with Toronto for the No. 1 pick in the MLS SuperDraft. It gave up the fourth pick and allocation money, but the move was well worth the price.

The Revolution selected Andrew Farrell with the pick, who saw action as a midfielder and defender during his senior season at the University of Louisville.

Farrell is one of the most complete college players in the nation, and his versatility, speed and pure talent make the 20-year-old the perfect selection for a club already talented at the midfielder position, but needs help at defender.

According to mlssoccer.com, scouts believe Farrell is still getting better. He has “all the tools” and, when he finds a position, will mature into that position with some tuning. He’s fast, athletic and “extremely gifted.”

Farrell was named a First-team NCSAA All-American in 2012 and was also the 2012 Big East Defensive Player of the Year. He led a Louisville defense that allowed just .62 goals per game that season, and added four goals and nine points on the year.

New England made the right selection in Farrell, both because of his talent level and readiness to start immediately for a club needing some excitement. Farrell is also a Generation adidas player, so his salary will not count against the team’s salary budget.

As with any 20-year-old college player, Farrell is still a little raw in some areas, but he is constantly improving and molding his game. Scouts feel he plays a little too “fast and erratic” at times, though they also feel he’s making improvements in that area (via mlssoccer.com).

According to Steve Davis of NBCSports, Farrell moved to Peru at the age of five. He played football in Peru, but already had experience in the sport prior to moving. Farrell continued to play when he returned to the U.S., and talks about his playing experience in this video:

At Louisville, Farrell was willing to play multiple spots to help his team, and gained valuable experience from playing multiple positions. He also feels it may have been detrimental in a sense because he was unable to develop at one particular spot, but Farrell will have the opportunity to do just that with New England.

The Revolution got its man, and he’ll make an immediate impact with the club. With massive potential and pure skills, Farrell will make a name for himself in the MLS.