New York Red Bulls: Jean-Christophe Koffi offers punt at long-term insurance

New York Red Bulls seek a developing, attacking midfielder in Jean-Christophe Koffi. They first have to get him off the D.C. United Academy roster, but he does offer an intriguing punt at long-term attacking insurance from midfield.

After their recent 2-2 draw with New York City FC, New York Red Bulls players felt as if they’d given away two points. They could use a new dimension of attack, especially in the midfield.

Standing in second place in the Eastern Conference, the team’s not in a desperate talent struggle right now.

But the New York Red Bulls have a chance to buy some affordable insurance in the attacking midfield position. D.C. United academy product Jean-Christophe Koffi is on their radar. With his entire pro career in front of him, there is plenty of reason to pursue such a target.

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Koffi left a year early from his celebrated spot on University of Virginia’s pitch. He remains untested on top-tier pro pitches. His blip on scouts’ radar is only now growing brighter. So if the Red Bulls can negotiate Koffi away from D.C. United’s Academy, they could get a future great attacker at a low stock price.

That is if Koffi works hard to make a pro starter and if he lives up to his potential, established in three seasons with the University of Virginia.

There at the university, Koffi started all 21 games his final year. He scored three goals with four assists. Two of the goals were game-winners. He had the third-most minutes played with 1,976 and has now played four years with D.C. United’s Academy.

Now, New York Red Bulls can give Koffi a chance to prove that one of the most promising college midfielders can quickly develop into a pro starter. He gave up his senior year at the University of Virginia. Instead, he signed with James Grant Sports and got ready for professional opportunities.

He’s taken initiative and gotten excellent experience while playing for D.C. United Academy. His progress as early as 2014 got him invited to that year’s Generation Adidas Elite Soccer Program, especially aimed at MLS Academy players. The world-class soccer event happens every year at the time of the MLS All-Star game. Besides the training and learning opportunities, players like Jean-Christophe Koffi get time with active MLS players who also experienced the Elite Soccer Program.

All Koffi has to do is keep working hard as he has been since he was a teenager. And then he must get ready to prove he’s ready to start. The Red Bulls could have pulled a blinder here.