The MLS’s profile has grown tremendously in recent years. With the ‘Big Four’ set for life with the NBA, MLB, NFL and NHL, it seemed there was very little space for soccer or any other sport for that matter to infiltrate. However, 2022 showed that there is still plenty of hope yet. MLS sides now regularly fill NFL sized stadiums with Atlanta United leading MLS with an average home game attendance of over 48,000. Charlotte FC also set an MLS attendance record this year, attracting over 74,000 fans to their inaugural home game.
There were some huge games this season such as Portland Timbers’ 7-2 thrashing of Sporting Kansas City and NYC FC’s stunning comeback to draw 4-4 with FC Cincinnati. One of the biggest games of the season and for US Soccer as a whole however, was the CONCACAF Champions League Final. Though not the pre-tournament soccer betting favourites, the Seattle Sounders would beat UNAM 5-2 on aggregate to become the first US side ever to win the tournament. This was a true testament to just how far the sport had come in North America.
Such a steady growth in the game over the years has had a knock-on effect on the shape of the sport at international level. The USMNT have built a team full of young talent that could propel the nation in international tournaments for years to come. The likes of Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams and Giovanni Reyna all started at MLS academy sides and now feature for some of Europe’s biggest teams.
We have seen even more leave the MLS this season to join teams in Europe. Ismaël Koné is the latest to have agreed a deal to move when he will join EFL Championship sign Watford in January. Perhaps the most high profile though is Gabriel Slonina’s move to Chelsea, which was agreed back in August for a potential $15m.
With the talent pool in the MLS growing, there are some incredible young players coming through. Let’s take a look at the best upcoming talents in the MLS.
Jesus Ferreira
Starting with the MLS Young Player Of The Year and first-time All Star, Jesus Ferreira was electric in 2022. He led FC Dallas scoring charts with 18 goals along with six assists, helping them to a third placed finish in the Western Conference. His performances earnt him a call up to the USMNT’s World Cup roster and the 21-year-old is sure to spearhead the line for his national side in the years to come. He has attracted interest from Premier League giants Arsenal and FC Dallas will do well to keep hold of him come the beginning of next season.
Talles Magno
After Taty Castellanos left NYCFC mid-season to join Spanish side Girona, it fell to Talles Magno to provide creativity to the side. Though this may be a lot of pressure for a 20-year-old, Magno thrived on it to provide 17 goals and assists for NYC, helping them to a fourth placed finish in the Eastern conference. At 6 ft 1, the Brazilian shows great athleticism for his size as well as being excellent on the ball. At just 20 years of age, Magno may move on soon enough as his importance to NYCFC increases.
Julian Araujo
As the role of a full back has shifted to a more attacking style in recent years we have seen the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Achraf Hakimi redefine the role. LA Galaxy’s Julian Araujo, whilst maybe not quite at that level just yet, is certainly a testament to that changing of the guard. He notched up nine assists from right-back in 2022. The Mexican national team player already has 100 first team appearances at just 21 years old and is now a vital part of Greg Vanney’s starting 11.
Obed Vargas
The youngest player on this list is the 17-year-old Sounders’ midfielder. He established himself as a starter this season when aged just 16 and his ability was plane for all to see. As well as having a great eye for a pass, he is also more than capable defensively having pressured opponents more than 50 times in his opening four games in the campaign. If Vargas can build on his rookie season in 2023 then we could be seeing a generational talent.
Thiago Almada
Almada is the league record signing for a reason. The 21-year-old was signed by Atlanta United for $16m in February 2022 and has immediately put the league on notice. With six goals and seven assists in his rookie season, Almada is already part of the Argentina national side setup and is now officially a World Cup winner after being called up to replace Joaquin Correa in Qatar. The Argentinian-artist may not be around in the MLS for long as Europe’s biggest clubs come sniffing around.