Darius Randell is a 17-year-old winger currently playing for the second team of Minnesota United in the MLS Next Pro. In May, he made history by becoming the youngest homegrown player to sign a professional contract with the club. Randell primarily features on the right flank, operating as a wide forward in both 4-3-3 and 3-4-3 systems of the club.
Randell possesses intriguing physical potential, with a strong foundation to develop into a well-rounded athlete. Standing at 1.83 m and weighing just 72 kg, he has a tall, slender posture complemented by long legs that contribute to his top-end speed. He shows excellent acceleration and deceleration in multiple directions, paired with above-average agility and balance. While his frame is still maturing, adding upper body strength would greatly benefit him in shoulder-to-shoulder duels, where he can currently come off second best.
On the ball, Randell has the physical tools to relieve pressure, with sharp directional changes and a quick burst of acceleration. He uses a stiff arm effectively to shield possession but needs to be more proactive in attacking the ball to avoid being dispossessed. Technically, his first touch can be inconsistent, but he shows strong associative play, often cutting inside to link up with teammates through quick give-and-go combinations and movement into pockets of space. Randell has the potential to become a real threat as a ball carrier in open space. Biomechanically, he has the stride and body control to cover ground rapidly. When taking on players, Randell is not a standout 1v1 dribbler and relies more on athleticism than refined technique to create separation, using sharp body shifts and bursts of pace. He can be quite predictable in these situations, as he tends to favor dropping his shoulder and going wide. Due to his light frame, he can be outmuscled. The American is prone to carrying the ball into traffic without lifting his head, losing composure.
In transition, his speed makes him a threat when attacking space behind the defense, but he often loses composure at the end of his runs, leading to rushed decisions. From a standing position with the ball at his feet, Randell is capable of picking out a teammate with a through ball or a cross into the penalty area. Inside the box, he can get shots off quickly but needs to improve his shot selection and composure, often pulling the trigger too early instead of waiting for a clearer opening. Randell often gets into dangerous positions in the box through smart movement, but lacks the presence to fully capitalize on those moments, despite his tall frame.
Out of possession, Randell stays active and is willing to track back to support his team. His engine and long stride allow him to cover ground efficiently. He generally positions himself well and reads pressing cues with decent awareness, but his defensive intensity and decisiveness in interventions can be inconsistent. In transitional moments, he needs to react more quickly when shifting from attack to defense. In 1v1 defending, he is prone to overcommitting, which can lead to unnecessary fouls or being beaten too easily.
The first step for Randell is breaking into Minnesota United’s first team. Adding muscle to his still-developing frame and improving his robustness in duels will be key to making that jump. While his game remains raw in several areas, his physical profile gives him the long-term potential to compete for a mid-tier club in a league outside Europe’s top five.
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