The famed phrase “Golden Generation” is often thrown about when a footballing nation appears to have a crop of very talented players (around the same age) ready to raise the expectations of those supporting the team. After not qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, the United States Men’s National Team was essentially akin to a smoldering pile of deflated dreams, over-the-hill players, and a toxic hubris. However, within the heap, supporters have found a Phoenix ready to rise from the proverbial ashes. We’re seeing an unprecedented number of young American soccer players plying their trades at big clubs. Does this translate to winning on the international stage? Not necessarily. Does it make following the national team more fun? Absolutely.
This piece will aim to look at the ever-improving player pool under the age of 25. While there are some stalwarts in an older age bracket (John Brooks, Zack Steffen, Jozy Altidore, DeAndre Yedlin, Jordan Morris), the core of this next cycle is immensely young. It won’t even hit its prime until 2026 — when the United States ironically enough is one of three hosting nations for the World Cup that year. The ranking criteria involves a number of elements — including significance to the team currently, potential value down the line, and also each player’s trajectory.
Honorable Mentions: Niko Gioacchini, Leo Sepulveda, Jackson Yueill, Moses Nyeman, Daryl Dike, Chris Gloster, Ricardo Pepi, Malick Sanogo, Jesus Ferreira, Jonathan Lewis, Chris Durkin, Joe Efford, Cole Bassett, Matthew Hoppe, Kobe Hernandez-Foster, Johan Gomez, Sebastian Soto, Miles Robinson, George Bello, Leon Flach, Shaq Moore, Chase Gasper, Alex Mendez, Bryan Reynolds, Hassani Dotson, Eryk Williamson, David Ochoa
Note: Dual-Nationals representing other countries/ones that haven’t committed to the United States have not been included (such as Efra Alvarez, Folarin Balogun, Malik Tillman, Yunus Musah)
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30. Tanner Tessmann — FC Dallas (19)
We’ve constantly heard about Tessmann and his football scholarship to Clemson as a kicker. But can we talk about him as a soccer player first? This is a player brimming with confidence. Despite being 6-foot-4, Tessmann is far from a lumbering midfielder. He represents the modern day footballer when it comes to possessing both athletic traits as well as strong technical ability. Tessmann can play elevated in the attack — though long-term projection has him as either a box-to-box midfielder, or as a No. 6. Being able to develop at a club known for utilizing young players has to excite fans of the USMNT. He’ll be fighting with other central midfielders (Gianluca Busio, Johnny Cardoso, Taylor Booth, Cole Bassett, Bryang Kayo, Leon Flach) for a role on the U-20 World Cup roster.
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29. Emmanuel Sabbi — Odense BK (22)
This is a player who does not nearly get enough attention. To be fair, Sabbi plays in the Danish Superliga. It’s not the best league when it comes to quality. With that said, the pool is not deep in terms of attack-minded wingers. Sabbi has proven to be the type of player who will create moments of brilliance from virtually nothing. It’s the sort of creativity that can flip a match on its head. Sabbi is proficient with either foot, and is also gifted when it comes to unleashing shots outside of the box. This writer is truly hoping he’ll get a look in November. Sabbi has the talent to play in a bigger league one day. Strong performances with the national team against solid opposition could open more doors for him.
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28. Bryang Kayo — Wolfsburg (18)
Folks should remember the name Bryang Kayo. A super athlete, Kayo can play any of the central midfield positions. From a long-term standpoint, he’s likely best served as a box-to-box player — where he can let his physicality shine not only in the final third, but also when tracking back defensively. Though he’s not close to being at this level, Kayo plays similarly to Yaya Toure. Even at 18, Kayo is currently bossing grown men on the pitch with an overwhelming wave of athletic ability. He’s always looking to carry the ball into threatening areas, and his passing ability is something that has steadily grown. Kayo is still growing into his body, and can look a bit gawky. However, there’s immense upside with this player. Don’t be shocked to see him break into Wolfsburg’s first team within the next 12 months. He’s on a very similar path to the one Weston McKennie had at Schalke.
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27. Ayo Akinola — Toronto FC (20)
After missing out on the U-20 World Cup due to injury, Ayo Akinola responded with major authority in the MLS is Back Tournament. He scored five goals in the first two games of the tournament, and has seven goals in only 21 matches for Toronto in his career. Born in Detroit and raised in Canada, Akinola can represent both national teams (along with Nigeria). He hasn’t yet closed the door on Canada — though it appears as if he’s leaning still towards the United States. Akinola’s performance at the tournament in July was impressive from the standpoint that he scored goals in a myriad of ways. He should be given a chance to play with the national team’s most talented players. Akinola also benefits from learning under the tutelage of USMNT veteran Jozy Altidore.
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26. Sam Vines — Colorado Rapids (21)
Vines has benefited from a couple of things. For one, he’s a naturally left-footed player at a big position of need (left back) for the national team. Secondly, he’s played the position quite well for Colorado. If Vines were in a larger market, he’d certainly be garnering more hype. He’s proven to not only be steady, but also a very good crosser of the ball. Without question, Vines is certainly one of the better left backs in the league. A number of Bundesliga clubs have been keeping close tabs on his development. He — along with teammate Cole Bassett — might not be in Colorado for much longer.
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25. Gianluca Busio — Sporting KC (18)
Busio’s career has taken more than a few turns despite being only 18 years of age. Billed as a prodigy from North Carolina, he initially was slotted as more of an attacking player — whether up front or as a No. 10. As he continued to develop, people were unsure exactly where Busio best slotted in. To everyone’s surprise, Busio most recently transitioned into more of a deep-lying No. 6 role. He’s shocked more than handful of people with scintillating distribution skills — where Busio calmly pings the ball all over the pitch with the quick stroke of his foot. He’s also become quite proficient at ball winning, a skill few thought he possessed. With this new lease on life, the excitement surrounding Busio has bounced back in his favor. A number of Italian clubs have been sniffing around him for over a year. Based upon how he’s suddenly developed into MLS’s version of a “mini American Andrea Pirlo,” that interest likely won’t subside.
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24. Indiana Vassilev — Burton Albion (19)
Vassilev made waves when he was promoted to Aston Villa’s first team. The hype soon became enhanced when he made the match day bench. Appearances in both the FA Cup and the Premier League soon had Vassilev’s trajectory skyrocketing. An industrious player, Vassilev is primarily known for his ability to press and buzz around the pitch at a high rate. He didn’t get a ton of opportunities to make plays when on the pitch at Villa. This is partially why he was loaned to League One side Burton Albion (as a means to get him consistent pitch time). At only 19 years of age, Vassilev looks like a lock for the U-20 World Cup. This could provide him with an opportunity to showcase his talents for other clubs. We’ve constantly seen how impressive performances at major tournaments can lead to career-changing moves. Vassilev can play as a forward — though he also can function centrally behind the target player, as well as out wide in an inverted winger role.
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23. Owen Otasowie — Wolverhampton Wanderers (19)
There’s always that one American player looking like an intimidating freak of nature (in the most respectful sense of the term). It used to be Oguchi Onyewu. Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jozy Altidore held that title for a while. The future entry into the mix: Owen Otasowie. Standing at 6-foot-3, the central defender/defensive center-mid looks as if he was carved from granite. He made his Wolves senior team debut in Europa League action last December (though he’s yet to break through to the first team as a core member). Though he’s a physically imposing player, Otasowie is actually quite delicate with his touch. He’s fully capable of driving the ball up the field before distributing neatly. At this point, he’s a lock to be a starting center back at the U-20 World Cup. Rumors recently have been swirling over a potential loan to a lower level club. By consistently playing against grown men on a weekly basis, it can only aid in Otasowie’s development.
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22. Jeremy Ebobisse — Portland Timbers (23)
Ebobisse bags goals at a very nice rate. His movement around the goal/in the box has steadily improved since breaking into Portland’s team in 2017. Athletically, Ebobisse also is on the higher end when compared to his other peers in MLS at the same position. It will be fascinating to see how much longer he stays in Portland. There’s been reported interest from clubs in Belgium, and the next step in order to further his career would be against an uptick in quality. With the national team searching for a consistent striker option, Ebobisse is certainly in the mix at this current time.
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21. Matko Miljevic — Argentinos Juniors (19)
Miljevic is an interesting case. He was born in Miami to Croatian/Bosnian parents, and was raised in Argentina. He can represent all four national teams — though has officially only played for Argentina and the United States. Most recently, he played with the U-20 group in January. A tricky player, Miljevic can play in an advanced attacking midfield role. He can also be extended out to the wing if need be. Though not a lot of people have seen him play, he is quite dynamic when progressing the ball up the pitch. Miljevic isn’t shy in attempting to roast defenders with a bevy of moves. This sort of confidence isn’t usually seen in the typical American teenage player. The 19-year-old has also featured a handful of times for a club in Argentina’s Primera Division. Though he’s reportedly garnered interest from both MLS and Europe, it appears as if Miljevic is staying in Argentina for the time being.
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20. Erik Palmer-Brown — Austria Wien (23)
Palmer-Brown has been flying somewhat under-the-radar in the Austrian Bundesliga. Similar to Cameron Carter-Vickers, EPB has been shuttled between clubs without much in the way of stability. At Wien, he did establish himself as a starter. Though technically owned by Manchester City, Palmer-Brown will yet again play for Wien this upcoming campaign. A good athlete with solid ball skills, he’s squarely in the jumbled pile of young American center backs fighting for consistency in Europe. Based upon his form, Palmer-Brown certainly should get a look in November during the rumored slate of European-based friendlies.
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19. Cameron Carter-Vickers — Tottenham (22)
Cameron Carter-Vickers looks as if he was shaped from a taut ball of clay. The dude is physically imposing, to say the least. He does struggle somewhat with quicker strikers. There are also questions about his proclivity in aerial duels. However, Carter-Vickers has started for five different Championship sides. Of the U-25 CB group, there’s not one possessing this sort of experience. Carter-Vickers is a better passer than given credit for, and he’s certainly not bashful about making the clattering tackle. At this point, Carter-Vickers is in somewhat of a limbo. He’s not quite good enough to be a regular for Tottenham — though he’s still on their books. A permanent move to another club will give CCV stability, and also a better shot at becoming a regular for the national team.
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18. Julian Araujo — LA Galaxy (19)
The California native has been a fixture within the Galaxy starting lineup for the past season. Araujo is a terrific athlete. Rarely is he bullied off the ball — as he plays the game with a smothering physicality. One of Araujo’s most impressive qualities includes reading the game at a high level. He knows when to get stuck in a tackle — though he’s also brilliant when pushing up the pitch and stomping out counterattacks. Araujo has played both as a right back and as a right winger. While not an overly technical player, Araujo’s energetic spirit enables him to perform at a high level. The fact he’s a lock starter at such a young age is clearly a testament to both his maturity and resolve. If not on the senior national team, he’s a lock to be the captain of the upcoming U-20 World Cup squad. Araujo certainly has the profile of a player eventually positioned in Europe.
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17. Uly Llanez — SC Heerenveen (19)
The Los Angeles native is dripping with sauce. Upon turning 18, the winger was immediately scooped up by Bundesliga side Wolfsburg. Llanez played exceptionally well for their youth teams, and even made the bench for the senior team on a couple of occasions. Wanting him to get consistent playing time, Wolfsburg loaned him to Dutch club SC Heerenveen for the upcoming campaign. A league known for its offensive capabilities, it completely parallels the way in which Llanez plays. He’s always attacking off the dribble — using both explosive pace and high-level technical skill. The national team set-up thinks quite highly of him to the point that he was called into camp this past January — where he scored a goal in a friendly versus Costa Rica. Llanez has a chance to really fly up this list, and into the depth chart of the national team rather quickly. His ceiling is that of a Champions League starter. This loan move is just what the doctor ordered in terms of Llanez’s immediate development.
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16. Paxton Pomykal — FC Dallas (20)
For Pomykal, his career thus far has been characterized by glimpses of real promise, and a plethora of injuries. He starred at the U-20 World Cup last year — clearly outplaying other ‘big-name’ players (such as Michael Cuisance of France). Pomykal’s ability to play all over the pitch, whether as a No. 6, a No. 8, a No. 10, or even as a winger, made him exceptionally attractive as a prospect. However, he’s had a very tough time staying healthy. It’s clearly a cause for concern at this point despite his young age. There’s plenty of time for him to find his footing. However, as the pool deepens and becomes more talented, the risk is there for him to be behind the proverbial 8-ball when it comes to being on the roster for 2022 World Cup qualifying.
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15. Konrad de la Fuente — FC Barcelona (19)
Though he looked a bit out of his depth at the U-20 World Cup, winger Konrad de la Fuente has continued to steadily develop for famed club FC Barcelona. He loves challenging defenders in one on one situations. Using his pace and on-ball flair, the Miami native isn’t bashful about skinning defenders before either whipping a cross into the box — or making his way into the box via the dribble. Aside from having loads of confidence, Konrad’s physical fitness (in terms of quickness and speed) has steadily trended upwards. After performing well for Barcelona’s reserve team, Konrad has been with the first team all throughout the preseason. Some even believe he’ll be a full-fledged first team member. While there’s no guarantee he’ll get consistent playing time, the fact a teenage American winger is on the brink of being a Barcelona first-team player — next to Lionel Messi — is unprecedented.
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14. Richie Ledezma — PSV Eindhoven (20)
Despite not yet earning a first team appearance with PSV Eindhoven, Ledezma slots within the top half of these rankings due to a skill-set of special qualities. The Arizona native is decisive with the ball at his feet. His calling card includes sending deftly weighted passes forward for strikers to latch onto (see his assist on the Sebastian Soto goal versus France). Ledezma is a gracefully progressive player — and one whom loves to attack in the final third. The lack of an established No. 10 on the national team aids Ledezma’s cause moving forward. A truly dynamic prospect, Ledezma appears to be on the cusp of breaking into the PSV first team.
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13. Brenden Aaronson — RB Salzburg (19)
The floppy haired teenager out of the Northeast is soon packing his bags for the marvelously radiant lands of western Austria. Aaronson sealed a move to RB Salzburg from Philadelphia Union earlier this month. The attacking midfield finds himself in a near perfect situation. He’ll be headed to a club renowned for developing/selling young talent. Aaronson will polish up certain aspects of his game (particularly when it comes to defense) under the tutelage of an American manager (Jesse Marsh). Oh — and he’ll be in line to play Champions League football once making the move across the pond. At only 19 years of age, Aaronson’s vision in the final third is something that’s made him a fan favorite. He plays the game with both joy and creativity. There’s real reason to be excited about his transfer — especially since it’ll only enhance his chances at becoming a national team regular.
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12. Mark McKenzie — Philadelphia Union (21)
McKenzie is easily one of MLS’s best defenders. The New York native can play the ball with either foot — something many of the center backs in the pool struggle with. McKenzie isn’t bashful about dribbling the ball out of tight spaces — nor is he afraid to break the lines from a deep position. McKenzie is physical in the air, agile on duels, and comfortable with the ball at his feet. While he’s a bit shorter than one would like (6-feet tall), he’s got the physical qualities to not get overwhelmed by more athletic strikers. It’s only a matter of time before McKenzie finds himself overseas. Based upon his play over the course of this calendar year, he’s on the cusp of leapfrogging many of his competitors (Aaron Long, Walker Zimmerman, Carter-Vickers, Palmer-Brown) at the center back spot. Additionally, McKenzie’s style of play caters to Berhalter’s preferred notion of playing possession-based football.
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11. Reggie Cannon — Boavista (22)
Reggie Cannon’s stock has steadily been climbing ever since he earned the starting job at FC Dallas. After two steady years, he recently made the move to the Portuguese first division. Ironically enough, he also became Boavista’s most expensive signing in the history of the club. Cannon isn’t the type of player who will constantly look to overlap and make runs up the pitch. A more conscientious defender, he’s perfectly okay with providing cover when other teammates want to make forays into the attack. Cannon has a strong resolve about him, and is a very quality teammate (both on and off the pitch). If Sergino Dest does occupy the left back spot, Cannon is the likely starter on the right (ahead of DeAndre Yedlin). Assuming he does well in Portugal, Cannon will likely make the leap to an even bigger league. There’s already speculation that he could join Ligue 1 side Lille after a year at Boavista.
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10. Antonee Robinson — Fulham (23)
A modern-day full back with lung-busting runs up and down the channels, Robinson brings quite the attacking bite to the position. There are certainly times in which he gets caught out of position. More experienced clubs have tended to pick on him somewhat when he’s pushed too high up the pitch. After solidifying himself as a starter in the Championship, he recently made the move to struggling Prem side Fulham. Robinson’s prowess in overlapping wingers is quite prolific. In fact, the best aspect of his game is when he bombs up field with considerable pace before whipping crosses into the box. A natural left-footed player, he seems like an intriguing match with Christian Pulisic. Pulisic can tuck inside when possessing the ball, with Robinson shuttling around him on the flank. Hopefully for Robinson, he can contest for a starting spot. If anything, he could showcase his skills further for another move (should Fulham be relegated).
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9. Johnny Cardoso — Internacional (19)
The casual fan of the USMNT likely doesn’t know who Johnny Cardoso is. Born in New Jersey and raised in Brazil, the 19-year-old midfielder has most recently been getting quite a bit of playing time for one of Brazil’s most storied clubs (Internacional). While not overly flashy, Cardoso is immensely calm on the ball. He can distribute quite well, and isn’t afraid to get stuck in when need be. There’s also a real maturity to his game. Cardoso is reportedly already garnering plenty of interest from clubs in Europe. Duly, Berhalter rates the central midfielder rather highly — as he was called into a U-23 camp as an 18-year-old. Don’t be shocked to see Cardoso vault himself onto the senior team sooner than later. There’s a void at the deep-lying midfield spot. At this point, Cardoso has the momentum and talent edge over someone like Jackson Yueill.
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8. Chris Richards — Bayern Munich (20)
There’s a real hope that Chris Richards develops into a starting center back for the national team. After his stellar performance at the U-20 World Cup, Richards further added to the hype by seemingly being in the plans at Bayern Munich. He’s made the bench a few times, and has made two appearances to date (as of late September). On one hand, soaking up the experience in daily Bayern training sessions is an education in and of itself. However, Richards’s isn’t playing consistently. It’ll be interesting to see whether he’s loaned out — or if he will indeed get games with Bayern’s jam-packed schedule. The upside for this player is immense. Richards is terrific in the air, a very good passer of the ball, and has the acumen in reading the play and reacting accordingly. At the very least, he should be integrated into the national team picture right now.
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7. Tim Weah — Lille (20)
Some may feel Weah is rated a bit too high for this list. He’s played sparingly for Lille after suffering multiple hamstring injuries. However, there’s a world (or a projection) in which Weah develops into a highly dangerous Champions League-level player. There are moments when you gasp at how brilliantly technical he can be (Hint: Watch the 2019 U-20 World Cup matches versus France and Ecuador). We see glimpses of what could be a truly elite player. Weah has the confidence, technical ability, and athleticism needed to excel at the highest level. For him, it’s a matter of staying healthy — and stringing together consistent performances. Whether out wide as a winger, or at the No. 9 spot, Weah figures to be a mainstay with the national team well into the next cycle and beyond.
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6. Josh Sargent — Werder Bremen (20)
A darling of the youth national team set-up, Sargent made the move to Bundesliga club Werder Bremen after spurning interest from a number of notable clubs. He soon broke into the first team — scoring on his debut. Since then, some have been quick to question whether Sargent is ready to challenge Jozy Altidore for the No. 9 role on the senior team depth chart. In 40 appearances for Werder Bremen, Sargent has six goals and five assists. Those numbers aren’t eye-popping — though we must operate with a sense of context here. Sargent gets next to no service when employed up top. Werder Bremen simply doesn’t possess the creative spark to truly take advantage of Sargent’s skill-set — which includes holding the ball up quite well, pressing off the ball, and connecting with teammates. His finishing has been somewhat inconsistent, though that’s to be expected for a player only 20 years of age.
Fortunately for Sargent, the club seems to have a lot of faith in him. Even if Werder Bremen has another poor season, recent reports indicate that multiple other Bundesliga clubs rate Sargent highly. We’d love for him to play with a credible No. 10. The talent is certainly there for Sargent to be a productive striker across the pond.
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5. Sergiño Dest — FC Barcelona (19)
If we’re to believe the recent reports, Sergiño Dest is on the cusp of moving to FC Barcelona. The talented right back had been in somewhat of a transfer tussle between Barca and Bayern Munich. However, it appears as if Dest has opted to play his football at Camp Nou for the foreseeable future. First of all, it’s quite significant to see a soon-to-be 20-year-old American player projected to start weekly for arguably the most recognizable club in the world. The pressure on Dest to perform will be immense. However, Dest — a highly technical player — should fit within the framework of La Liga quite well.
Dest has been forced to play left back with the national team out of sheer necessity. This is due to a lack of a consistent left-footed option on that flank. Whether on the right or the left, he’s a lock starter on the national team for the foreseeable future. The hope is that Robinson, Vines, or player-to-be-determined can man the left side of the defense in order for Dest to function at his more natural spot. In terms of the ‘world class’ discussion, Dest is certainly on that trajectory if he continues to improve at this rate.
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4. Giovanni Reyna — Borussia Dortmund (17)
The starlet from New York has made some major waves since joining Borussia Dortmund as a 16-year-old. He was fast-tracked through Dortmund’s system to the point where he became the youngest American to ever play in a Bundesliga match. Stylistically, Reyna can play as an inverted winger — though his club has most recently been playing him as a No. 10 tucked behind Erling Haaland. Reyna’s composure on the ball is sublime for a player his age. Technically, he’s already one of the most impressive players in the pool despite his age.
Once Marco Reus gets fully fit, there’s a chance Reyna will be relegated to the bench. However, this shouldn’t be looked at as a huge negative. Reyna is easily one of the most talented players in the entire world in the 17-20 age range. He’s getting consistent minutes on a Champions League team — and one which is vying to compete with Bayern Munich for the Bundesliga title. Depending on the formation Gregg Berhalter opts to use, one can see Reyna slotted in a playmaking role for the national team. His senior team debut should occur this November for the rumored friendlies being played in Europe.
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3. Weston McKennie — Juventus (22)
Admit it — you’re still in disbelief that Weston McKennie is playing for Juventus. You’re even more surprised that McKennie started the first two matches of the Serie A campaign. The mercurial 22-year-old midfielder is playing alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Leonardo Bonucci, Gianluigi Buffon, and Giorgio Chiellini, and under world class maestro-turned-manager Andrea Pirlo. Soaking up the tutelage of his teammates will only help McKennie moving forward. Though Schalke had him playing virtually every single position on the pitch, Pirlo appears to have McKennie slotted centrally where his biggest strengths (ball-winning, energy, physicality) can be accentuated.
For McKennie to reach those top levels, his awareness on the ball must improve. There are instances where he’s a bit too careless with both distribution and getting the ball off his foot. However, his ability to press is excellent — as is the effort he plays with. It will be fascinating to see whether he’s slotted next to Tyler Adams in a double-pivot — or elevated slightly as a No. 8.
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2. Tyler Adams — RB Leipzig (21)
Despite being No. 2 on this list, Tyler Adams still seems underrated when it comes to discussing American players. The tidy central midfielder is keenly sophisticated with his positioning. Adams has an ability to split lines with his passing — though isn’t always asked to do so. With Leipzig, Adams routinely displays immense positional versatility. He can pick up the ball between the center backs before shuttling it up the pitch to teammates. We’ve also seen Adams positioned at times as a right wing back. However, his bread and butter is certainly gobbling up ground on the pitch whilst simultaneously sniffing out counterattacks and the opposition’s build-up.
He’s clearly a valued commodity for Leipzig. The seamless transition Adams made from MLS to the Bundesliga is quite impressive — especially since he’s still 21 years of age (despite approaching the game with a maturity beyond that). It won’t be long until Adams transfers to one of the world’s biggest clubs. He’s a rock-solid presence for Leipzig — and will function similarly for the national team over the next decade.
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1. Christian Pulisic — Chelsea (22)
Never in our wildest dreams would we have thought that a boy from Hershey, Pennsylvania would one day become the most influential player on (arguably) the biggest club in London. With apologies to Arsenal supporters, we’re clearly talking about Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic. The fact that an American is playing such an integral role at club with the magnitude of Chelsea is certainly transcendent in nature. We can talk about Pulisic’s vision deficiencies when it comes to linking with teammates. There’s also the pressing concern over his inability to stay healthy for long stretches.
With that said, his impact is clearly felt when Chelsea plays without him. The Blues play a stagnant style of football — lacking in movement and pace. Not only does Pulisic bring those qualities in droves, but he also has a brazen confidence which wasn’t there when he first came to London. When stepping on the pitch every time, Pulisic truly believes he is the most dangerous threat. This sort of ruthless character will only benefit the national team when faced with an arduous situation (such as in a steamy, loud, humid, fickle environment in CONCACAF when a goal is needed).
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