The future, the expectations, the next step forward. That’s what young footballers mean to any of the world’s great club. With a view on becoming a global phenomenon, Major League Soccer has done a lot to encourage youth development.
Today, we take a look at five of the best young players that have already made their mark on the MLS stage. How many of them will you choose for your fantasy team in FootballCoin’s MLS contests?
Diego Rossi (Los Angeles FC) – 21 years old
Los Angeles FC scouts will be patting themselves on the back for suggesting Diego Rossi to the men in charge. The youngster plays as a Left-Winger and Forward and has scored 8 goals in 16 appearances this season. Getting the Uruguayan’s former club, Peñarol, on board took some persuading. Rossi arrived in the MLS on a $4 million deal and wasted no time in confirming his skill. This season, he’s been the best ranked youth player. With players like him, MLS youth soccer is on the right track.
Andrew Carleton (Atlanta FC) – 19 years old
He’s young, clearly capable of doing great things, and already one of the most highly promoted players in MLS. The Georgia born midfielder earned playing time ahead of some of Atlanta’s top talent. Things seemed to have cooled off this season (he’s only earned 64 minutes of playing time). Still, we think Carleton is a player to watch out for in the not too distant future.
Efrain Alvarez (LA Galaxy) – 17 years old
Technically, he’s still more likely to turn out for LA Galaxy II, but Alvarez has done great things with his time on the pitch. At 16 years of age, he became the youngest player to score a hat-trick in the USL (the second tier of US soccer). This season, he has been eased into the team. He’s entered as a substitute on 5 occasions and generally playing well.
Paxton Pomykal (FC Dallas) – 19 years old
The attacking midfielder has surprised many this season. Not only has he managed to break into the first team, but Pomykal’s also been one of the MLS’ best players, scoring twice, providing an assist and showing great passing abilities. Pomykal is part of USA’s U20 squad. We expect him to make the leap forward to the senior team soon enough.
Auston Trusty (Philadelphia Union) – 20 years old
Trusty’s consistency is the main thing that has impressed us. At 20 years old, he’s played in all but one of his side’s matches. And, the central defender has dealt with his duties clinically. His performances help account for Philadelphia having the best goal difference in the league and being top of the Eastern Conference. A strong, focused, usually unstoppable force in aerial duels, Trusty can easily find a spot in your fantasy football draft for the upcoming contests.
Update: Review of the 2019 regular season
It’s been an interesting season that has lived up to its billing. Many of the big stars have gone on to show just why they have been so popular to MLS audiences. Carlos Vela has scored a whopping 34 goals, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has shown to be the most popular MLS player since David Beckham. Others, like Wayne Rooney who looks destined t return to England via Derby County, have fared less impressively.
As for the young MLS stars, here is where the players we previously talked about are sitting after the entire regular season.
Diego Rossi – He has been included in several Team of Week editions. Diego Rossi has shown to be both capable when with the ball at his feat as well as when heading the ball into the net. Overall, the Uruguayan has made 34 appearances, scored 16 goals and provided 6 assists. Simplu put, he has proven to be one of the best players in the MLS.
Verdict: MLS Ace!
Andrew Carleton – There’s little to be said about Carleton this season. The 19 year-old has only made three appearances, all as a substitute and failed to impress and Carleton has made the news for all the wrong reasons. to Unlikely that we will see him in the playoffs, especially since he looks likely to be out until the end of October through injury.
Verdict: Deserves time to settle in, but not a draft pick for now.
Efrain Alvarez – Still very young, Alvarez is learning the tools of the trade. As for now the LA Galaxy youngster is learning from the master, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, a fact he confesses he is very excited about.
Verdict: Alvarez can become of MLS’ best homegrown talents in the years to come if he continues to learn.
Paxton Pomykal – Pomykal has done enough to secure a new contract with FC Dallas. This season he has made 26 appearances. He has generally played well, even managing 2 goals and 2 assists along the way. Verdict: One of the young players in the MLS in 2019 and more looks set to come.
Verdict: His performances have earned him a top MLS players’ salary. And, for good reason!
Auston Trusty – Philadelphia have made Trusty one of their most important players. The young American has made 26 starts this season and has been praised for his skills, especially his tackling ability.
Verdict: Trusty can be one of the MLS players to represent team USA in a future World Cup, without a doubt.
Major League Soccer continues throughout the summer. The FootballCoin contests will include the MLS matches. Make sure to create your ideal draft and to register for a chance of winning XFC cryptocurrency prizes.
Eduard Bănulescu
