The 2020 Major League Soccer season is almost here, and beyond the excitement of new expansion clubs, old rivalries and veterans on the pitch, there’s also tons of fresh MLS talent to look forward to. We gathered ten players under the age of 22 to watch out for this coming MLS season. Will they live up to all the expectations? Let the MLS 2020 games began!
Julian Araujo – LA Galaxy
The 18 year-old California-native right back started last season with the Galaxy and slotted right into the right-back position under Galaxy coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto. He got one appearance for every year of his life (18) and started for the Galaxy 10 times. Araujo faces veteran Rolf Feltscher as a contender for the starting post in the right flank for the 2020 season, but his speed and mobility up and down the right wing already impressed the US Men’s national team coach Gregg Berthaler, who called him up for camp in January of this year.
Ezequiel Barco – Atlanta United
The 20 year-old Argentine youth international didn’t get a chance to show his stuff in Atlanta yet, so he’s still sitting on the credit of his international experience. There’s also the price tag that Atlanta paid to bring this attacking midfielder to the MLS, which is based on Barco’s 2nd finish in last year’s 22 Under 22 votes. He played a total of 980 minutes in the league last season. But under Coach Frank de Boer, Ezequiel Barco is expecting to be given a chance to shine in 2020.
Cole Bassett – Colorado Rapids
18 year-old Bassett already broke one record in Colorado, being the youngest player to be signed in the Rapids’ history. Over the past two seasons, this central midfielder he has been introduced slowly onto the pitch, and has played about 1000 MLS minutes for Colorado in 2019. The ability to pass, create pressure and strategically read the playing field at such a young age and with little experience, impressed many. So perhaps not being a Rapids’ starter in every game just yet, but Manager Robin Fraser should definitely have this youngster in his plans to develop and play a key role in Colorado Rapids’ future.
Gianluca Busio – Sporting Kansas City
At the tender age of 17, this striker is the youngest player on this piece. However Gianluca Busio is already in his fourth soccer pro season. He played over 900 minutes last season and scored three goals, and despite his young age seems to be very comfortable as an attacking midfielder. Busio will still have to earn his right and convert his attacking skills into goals. Doing so will earn him more playing time and possibly a starting role in Peter Verme’s squad.
Luis Diaz – Columbus Crew SC
This 19 year-old designated player from Costa Rica came to the Crew from Costa Rican club Herediano last summer, and gave his best show against Ohio rival Cincinnati FC last season with a goal and assist in Columbus’s 3-1 win. In just under 800 minutes last season, this Right winger already registered 2 goals and 4 assists. He’s speed on the right wing and possession and presence are part of Crew’s coach Caleb Porter’s weapons in trying to reach the playoffs in 2020.
Jesus Ferreira – FC Dallas
Perhaps it’s due to some injuries, but 19-year old attacker Jesus Ferreira will likely earn the starting #10 position this season for FC Dallas mostly for what he can give Dallas on the attacking front of the pitch. Ferreira, who was voted 3rd in last year’s 22 under 22 has scored 8 goals and had 8 assists last season. He already got called in January to start for the US national team, and has signed now a new 4-year contract with FC Dallas. And one more thing: he’s also son of former MLS MVP David Ferreira. So MLS excellence runs in the family.
Mark McKenzie – Philadelphia Union
2019 wasn’t an easy year for the 20 year-old Delaware-native center back. Injuries gave him only a few minutes of playtime, and the U20 World Cup in Poland saw him starting only once, despite being named team captain. Back home in Major League Soccer, McKenzie got his first start of the 2019 MLS season in August, and also went on to be in the starting XI for Philadelphia Union’s two playoff games. With extraordinary ball skills, and the departure of teammate Auston Trusty, Mark McKenzie has a good chance at a 2020 starting position with the Union, and possibly also having a key role in the US Olympic qualifiers.
Matias Pellegrini – Inter Miami FC
Everything is new and exciting for Major League Soccer expansion side Inter Miami FC. This includes 19 year-old Argentinian winder Matias Pellegrini, who was one of David Beckham’s club first two signings, and is expected to be one of the club’s most prominent players in the next few seasons for sure. Although usually signed up to the right, Matias Pellegrini is versatile and can play both wings. He also has the ability to find the opposition’s net, scoring in the Argentine SuperLiga with Estudiantes 4 goals in just over 1000 minutes played.
Brian Rodriguez – LAFC
19 year-old Uruguayan international winder is considered as one of the fastest players in Major League Soccer. Although Brian Rodriguez didn’t register a goal or assist last season, his mobility and fantastic one-on-one ability is impressing many. If he will improve on his efficiency and finish on the final third, Rodriguez can become one of the better players in the MLS, and keep his starting position with LAFC once Adama Diomande comes back from injury.
Mayson Toye – Minnesota United FC
21 year-old Mayson Toye came into the spotlight out of nowhere last season, with the striker scoring six goals in one month in all competitions this past August, thus earning a starting spot under Adrian Heath. But other than one amazing performance at LAFC, Toye lost his mojo and in 2020 will need to regain his starting position in a fight against Paraguayan newcomer Luis Amarilla.