Comprehensive Canadian Premier League Player Power Rankings – October 2023
The Canadian Premier League (CPL) continues to unearth and develop a wealth of footballing talent, but with the spotlight often on headline stars, many deserving players remain underrated. In our ongoing CPL Scouting Database series, we shed light on underappreciated players who can make an impact both within the CPL and on bigger North American stages. Using extensive data analysis tailored to specific player roles—via our proprietary Role Continuity Evaluation System and Wyscout data—we celebrate those excelling in their niches while outlining prime targets for club recruitment.
Understanding Our Evaluation Process
Players featured in these rankings have been assessed using our Role Continuity Evaluation System, which prioritizes metrics important to each footballing role. For example, wing-backs are primarily evaluated using attacking data before considering their possession or defensive contributions. Each role includes a minimum minutes played threshold to ensure meaningful sample sizes. Individual performance is cross-referenced with team impact, offering clubs a robust lens for player scouting.
CPL Player Rankings by Position and Role
Below you’ll find carefully organized and updated tables for each position, spotlighting the CPL’s top performers as of October 2023. Each table includes player names, current clubs, nationalities, ages, contract status, and links to deeper analysis where available.
Sweeper Keeper and Shot-Stopper Rankings
These goalkeepers combine shot-stopping expertise with strong distribution and command of their penalty area.
| Rank | Player | Team | Nation | Age | Contract | Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marco Carducci | Cavalry | Canada | 26 | 2025-12-31 | Player Profile |
| 2 | Rayane-Yuba Yesli | Valour | Canada/Algeria | 23 | ||
| 3 | Triston Henry | Forge | Canada | 29 | Player Analysis | |
| 4 | Nathan Ingham | Atletico Ottawa | Canada | 30 | 2023-12-31 | Team Analysis |
| 5 | Yann Fillion | HFX Wanderers | Canada | 27 | 2024-12-31 | Team Analysis |
| 6 | Niko Giantsopoulos | York United | Australia | 29 | 2023-12-31 | |
| 7 | Callum Irving | Vancouver | Canada | 30 | ||
| 8 | Kieran Baskett | Pacific | Canada | 21 | 2023-12-31 | |
| 9 | Emil Gazdov | Pacific | Canada | 19 | 2025-12-31 | |
| 10 | Sean Melvin | Atletico Ottawa | Canada | 29 | 2023-12-31 |
Note: Minimum of 500 minutes played to qualify.
Standout Wing-Back Performers
Modern wing-backs require versatility, combining forward thrust with defensive reliability. Here are the CPL’s best in this demanding role:
| Rank | Player | Team | Nation | Age | Contract | Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zachary Fernandez | HFX Wanderers | Canada | 21 | 2024-12-31 | Player Analysis |
| 2 | Olakunle Dada-Luke | Pacific | Canada/Nigeria | 23 | 2023-12-31 | Right-Back Comparison |
| 3 | Kwasi Poku | Forge | Canada | 19 | Team Analysis | |
| 4 | Wesley Timóteo | HFX Wanderers | Canada/Portugal | 23 | 2024-12-31 | Team Analysis |
| 5 | Matteo de Brienne | Valour | Canada | 21 | 2023-12-31 | Player Analysis |
Minimum 1000 minutes required; some players qualify through secondary roles.
Top Inverted and Defensive Full-Backs
Defensive stability and the ability to invert for build-up play define this group:
| Rank | Player | Team | Nation | Age | Contract | Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bradley Kamdem | Cavalry | Canada/France | 28 | ||
| 2 | Rezart Rama | Forge | Greece/Albania | 22 | Player Analysis | |
| 3 | Wesley Timóteo | HFX Wanderers | Canada/Portugal | 23 | 2024-12-31 | Team Analysis |
1000-minute minimum, with secondary roles noted for select players.
Best Ball-Playing Centre-Backs
Building out from the back has become crucial—these centre-backs excel in possession and distribution:
| Rank | Player | Team | Nation | Age | Contract | Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel Nimick | HFX Wanderers | Canada/England | 22 | 2023-12-31 | Player Analysis |
| 2 | Daan Klomp | Cavalry | Netherlands | 25 | 2023-11-30 | Player Profile |
| 3 | Alexander Achinioti-Jönsson | Forge | Sweden | 27 | 2023-12-31 | Player Analysis |
Players must have featured for at least 1000 minutes this season.
Leading Physical Centre-Backs
Dominant in aerial and physical duels, these defenders anchor the backline.
FAQs: About the CPL Player Power Rankings
Why do some players appear in more than one ranking?
Some players spend significant time in multiple positions or thrive while juggling dual responsibilities within a single role, qualifying them across categories.
How are rankings established?
We use the Role Continuity Evaluation System, evaluating Wyscout data specific to performance by position. Each footballing role receives weighted metrics emphasizing the skills most critical to success in that position. We also factor in team impact.
Why are videos no longer included?
Due to copyright issues, video clips have been removed. Clubs, coaches, and players may still access footage through professional services in our portfolio.
Player Comparison Tools & Further Reading
Explore our growing Player Comparison Tool for detailed CPL player profiles and side-by-side analysis. These resources are designed to help clubs quickly identify prime replacements and new targets. Profiles on Daniel Nimick, Ollie Bassett, Ali Musse, and many more are available on our website.
Data-Driven Scouting: Services for Clubs, Coaches, and Players
– For Clubs: We partner with clubs to build custom scouting databases, combining data and video tailored to each club’s philosophy and needs. This enables continuous talent identification and informed planning for future seasons.
– For Coaches: Global mentorship is offered across several sports, including custom consultation on tactics, analysis, and coaching philosophy development.
– For Players: We provide performance coaching for athletes at all levels. Using match footage and analysis, players learn to enhance their decision-making, positioning, and tactical awareness.
To learn more or connect for a consultation, visit our contact page.
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Conclusion
The CPL boasts a deep pool of versatile and evolving talent, as showcased in this latest player power ranking update. These rankings offer coaches, recruiters, and fans a data-backed snapshot of the league’s standout performers by position, supporting smarter decisions and celebrating the league’s progress as a pipeline for Canadian and international football talent.
