Juan Pablo Aravena
The MLS has always been considered a “retirement” league for European players who are looking to play their last years in a less demanding league and making good money, and while that was the case until a few years ago, the truth is that the amount of young talent that has come to the U.S. league has been increasing and this has become evident in recent times.
In this article, we’ll review the top five MLS players who have yet to turn 22 years old. Several of them have even made their debut for their national team!
Daryl Dike – Orlando City SC
The Orlando City striker is not only one of the best MLS players in this select group of under-22s, but he is also considered one of the most prolific strikers in the league. In fact, it would not be surprising if he is transferred to more competitive soccer in the near future. Dike recorded 10 goals in 18 games during the 2021 U.S. Soccer Major League Soccer campaign and already has a stint overseas. He played for Barnsley in the 2020-21 English Championship season, scoring nine goals in 19 league appearances, and there is speculation that he could leave for English soccer once again.
James Sands – New York City FC
Julian Araujo – Los Angeles Galaxy
Araujo is one of the most promising backs in MLS thanks to his ability to excel on both sides of the field. The Galaxy player is very effective on the defensive flank, but he is also not a problem when attacking, thanks to the accuracy of his crosses and his speed. The 20-year-old defender was born in California, but made his debut with Mexico’s senior national team in a friendly this year.
George Bello – Atlanta United
Like Araujo, Bello is one of the top-rated fullbacks in the MLS, something worth mentioning as he is only 19 years old. The Abuja, Nigeria-born player began his career as a winger with Atlanta United II, but has played as a winger or left midfielder since making his professional debut. His rise has been meteoric, to the point that he made his debut earlier this year with the U.S. national team and has six caps to his name. He is expected to be one of the big names in the league in the short term.
Caden Clark – New York Red Bulls
While Clark experienced a significant drop in performance in 2021 and even lost his place in the New York Red Bulls starting lineup, his talent is beyond question, and he follows the model of several young players who shined in MLS as teenagers, such as Brendan Aaronson or Tyler Adams. The Red Bulls’ attacking midfielder is a player who stands out for his rich technique, vision and talent in the final meters. He recorded four goals and three assists in 24 games during the 2021 season.
