NELSON AKWARI

(columbus.crew.mlsnet.com)

Another future star for both club and country, Nelson Akwari will be looked upon to strengthen the back line of the new Real lineup after he was left unprotected by Columbus in the Expansion draft.

Born in and raised in the Houston area of Nigerian stock, he played with the Houston Texans, one of the top youth soccer clubs, before becoming a HS All-American and a co-captain of the US U17s that finished 3rd at the World Youth Championships in 1999.

He considered going to Europe but instead decided to play college ball at UCLA while continuing to captain US U20s and U23 squads. His tremendous pressence and ability in the middle of the defense have made him a natural leader and a player that the US can count on one day the way it does Eddie Pope now.

Keep your eye on this one.

PHOTOS

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Nelson battling for the ball against the Metrostars (AP)

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