On February 25, MLS (Major League Soccer), the highest American and Canadian league, restarted. In addition to being one of the most attractive leagues for European players, the last Italians were Insigne, Bernardeschi and Chiellini, winner in the first year with Los Angeles FC, the MLS has now also been the showcase for young talents from the Western Hemisphere. With the next World Cup played between the United States, Canada and Mexico, the number of promises will only increase;
Here are five U21 players to watch this MLS season:
Chris Brady, Chicago Fire, Goalkeeper, 2004
After selling Gabriel Slonina to Chelsea, the Chicago Fire could entrust their goal to another young man: Chris Brady, born in 2004, ready to show that he is ready to play at the highest level, and dissolve any doubts about his young age.
His debut in MLS took place on the last day of last season, in which he played in MLS Next Pro, keeping a clean sheet on 5 occasions. In addition, in 2022 he was a protagonist of the victory of the CONCACAF U-20 with the national team, and thanks to his performances he was named among the best young Americans of 2022.
Similar player in Serie A: Juan Musso, Atalanta
Caleb Wiley, Atlanta Utd, Left Back, 2004
The 18-year-old from Georgia collected 26 appearances in the 2022 season contributing 1 goal and 1 assist. He is also the first left-wing candidate for the USA at the U20 World Cup in May. Equipped with an excellent left, Wiley adds to his technical skills also an offensive propensity that leads him to play inside the field and cross from the bottom; For this reason it is possible to use it in all the heights of the left wing. He lacks in some defensive readings, but his young age and this year’s appearances will only reduce this lack.
Similar player in Serie A: Federico Dimarco, Inter
Obed Vargas, Seattle Sounders, Midfielder, 2005
The high level of his 14 MLS appearances in 2022 confirmed the high expectations that Obed Vargas had built for himself in the USLC minor league. His growth was halted by a back injury that kept him out for the rest of the season. The hope of Seattle fans is that to soon see again the midfielder of personality and dribbling that Vargas has amply demonstrated to be able to be, even on important stages such as the decisive final of the CONCACAF Champions League.
Similar player in Serie A: Stefano Sensi, Monza
Jack McGlynn, Philadelphia Union, Midfielder, 2003
Being able to get noticed in one of the strongest teams of MLS 2022 is undoubtedly a certificate of esteem for the talent of Jack McGlynn. Last year he made 26 appearances, including ’84 minutes in the Grand Final, lost on penalties, against Los Angeles FC. In the minutes that were granted to him, he showed off his qualities of dribbling, verticalization and proposition; The best games he played were in a 2-man midfield, free to range without maneuvering tasks; If necessary, he can become a midfielder, although his athleticism, fundamental in which he must develop this season, risks penalizing him in this role.
Similar player in Serie A: Manuel Locatelli, Juventus
Darren Yapi, Colorado Rapids, Striker, 2004
In the Qatari World Cup, none of the American central strikers, among those who have played, have grown up footballing in MLS, a difficult environment for young home strikers. Darren Yapi is determined to reverse this trend, filling his 2023 with goals and satisfactions, including the possibility of being called up for the U20 World Cup. This year the forecast is that he can accumulate more than 12 appearances, of which only one as a starter, to show off his qualities, first of all the shot and the attack of depth, and make his own the future of the stars and stripes attack.
Similar player in Serie A: Victor Oshimen, Napoli
