“He’s extremely focused and extremely driven. He’s dedicated to improving and he’s dedicated to his profession. He’s a player who’s mature beyond his years, and I think that’s what makes him particularly special.”
Columbus Crew SC Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter is describing the Black & Gold’s vice captain, standout midfielder Wil Trapp. The Homegrown has once again been named to MLSsoccer.com’s annual list of the League’s top 24 players under the age of 24. Improving upon his ranking of ninth last year, Trapp comes in at No. 4 in 2015. Click here for the full 24 Under 24 list.
The Gahanna native made the list, which was determined by a panel of media members, despite missing several matches this season due to a concussion. His coach attributes Trapp’s progress to getting more comfortable on the pitch as he gains experience.
“You can see he’s really starting to assert himself,” Berhalter says.
At just 22 years old, Trapp has emerged as a leader for Crew SC, both on and off the pitch.
“He’s a guy that brings it every single day and he always wants to get better, he always wants to improve. He always pushes guys and leads by example,” Berhalter says. “He’s a good mix between a fierce competitor and a cerebral commander. That mix makes him very valuable, particularly in the position he plays for us on the field.”
In his 16 matches this season, the holding mid has passed the ball over 13,000 times, boasting an accuracy rate of almost 88 percent. Trapp has also registered 92 recoveries and 32 interceptions, and has won nearly 84 percent of his tackles.
“He reads the game; he understands the game very well,” Berhalter says. “He’s able to process a lot of information as the game is going on, and I think that’s key to guys that want to be at a high level, just to process information. That’s certainly a strength of his.”
Berhalter says tactical awareness and situational understanding can be taught; but what sets top players apart is their ability to grasp those concepts quickly—something in which Trapp excels.
“He’s a guy that has a lot of potential. He’s young but I think he has the skillset and the mentality to be a top player,” Berhalter says.
Being young and full of potential is one thing, but recognizing that potential and improving upon it is what separates Trapp from the crowd. His technical abilities are remarkable, but his work rate is even more impressive.
“Technically, he’s a very good player,” Berhalter says. “He realizes that he still needs to improve in certain areas, but he’s not afraid to put the work in.”
Trapp’s work is paying off as he earned a spot last week on the United States Under-23 National Team roster for the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Championship. Trapp already has a great deal of experience playing internationally for the Stars and Stripes, having earned 15 caps for the U.S. U-20 team, one for the U-23s and one for the senior squad.
The Homegrown player exudes pride for his country, his state and his hometown. His positive attitude, enthusiasm and team-first mentality are infectious.
“He’s a big piece of this community, in general. We’re proud to have a player from our Academy be represented on the first team,” Berhalter says. “When you look at it, he’s from Ohio, he’s from Gahanna, he’s local, so his contribution to this community is huge.”
Garnering positive attention and earning the admiration of supporters and teammates alike, Trapp epitomizes what it means to the team’s vice captain.
“I think you’re at a certain point where you realize a player’s contribution both on and off the field, and both to a soccer team and to a community,” Berhalter says. “I think Wil checked all those boxes, and he’s a worthy person to fill that role.”
