I would suggest a "youngster" is any U23 with less than 10 caps. This allows for discussion of some players that should be doing big things next year but have picked up a cap in a meaningless friendly or late sub appearance. Hyndman, K. Acosta, W. Mckennie would seem to have the inside track on this "award" at this point. But when dealing with youth development; there are always surprises good and bad. Just off the top of my head there will be at least one such player in the EPL, at least 3-4 in the Championship, at least 2-3 in the Bundesliga, possibly 1 in Serie A, and many more in MLS. That is just when the seasons kick off in August. Others the bookies will put odds on: Matt Miazga, Cameron Carter Vickers, Julian Green, Josh Sargent, Andrew Carlton, Erik-Palmer Brown, Gedion Zelalem, Luca De La Torre, Josh Perez, Haji-Wright, Lyndon Gooch, Marlon Fossey, Nick Lima, Ian Harkes, Jackson Yuiell, Pomykal, Tyler Adams, Justin Glad, Ethan Horvath, Brooks Lennon, and many more.
It's tough to know, given it's dependent upon opportunity. A safe type of bet for me is Cristian Roldan. He should be invited to Gold Cup and soon after be a fixture with the nt. That may also lead to a big 5 opportunity around the World Cup. Also, Horvath is already starting for Brugge, who'll be in Champions' League next season and are Belgian League contenders. He could get an opportunity at Gold Cup to prove he's the heir apparent to Howard and put him in the conversation to start in the World Cup seeing as though Tim will be nearly 40. Acosta also has a shout due to opportunity and some performance, although I'm not as high on him as most, at least as a cm. But there are ones with greater upside who could really take off from a stock perspective like EPB, Carleton, Miazga, Sargent, Ferreira, CCV, Wright, Lewis, Adams, etc.; because either they are associated with a big club and aren't far from making the 1st team or they are teenagers on MLS teams where it would be impressive if they looked belonged already. You could make the argument Adams is already there. Someone who I have a hunch about that's not close but recently debuted overseas and has talent is Isiah Young. He's off to a good start scoring on and assisting goals for Werder's youth team.
If Acosta is included in this discussion (I'm assuming Kellyn) than I am wondering what would be counted as "breaking out"? What would be considered breaking out for Kellyn Acosta? If he hasn't broken out, then we can pretty much exclude any U23 currently in MLS (until they transfer to Europe), which would eliminate Carlton, Pomykal and a host of others. I am fully aware that Acosta could (hopefully will) step it up to a whole new level but I believe the initial breakthrough is what we are talking about right? For that matter, Pulisic potentially could break through to another level too.
I think we are looking for a step up from the level they are at today. Acosta could be starting for the USMNT and Leverkuesen at this time next year. That would be a big jump. He cooked be an MLS all-star getting spot starts for the USMNT, kind of where he is now. Pulisic has more than 10 caps. He won the "award" last year.
Shashuoa from Tottenham, Siebatcheu at Chateauroux, Tillman at Bayern, a few duals who could emerge. And If Keaton Parks ever gets out of Portugal he's got a lot of potential.
CCV. Tottenham have already hinted that he will have a larger role next year. I think he he makes his debut in the gold cup.
Pulisic broke-out before that point actually, in winter 2015/2016. He's ancient now. Pretty soon he'll need dentures. It was really too bad, but I'm not even sure there was a breakout player for 2016-17 in the end. There were several players who seemed on the cusp, i.e.: Wright, Perez, EPB, Koreniuk, CCV, etc.; but for one reason or another they never got the chance. The flip-side is there could be a lot of serious candidates at the end this year as a result.
EPB, Carleton, McKennie, Wright, Carter-Vickers. One of those five. Maybe Pomykal, if you want an under the radar player. This is entirely dependent on being given the chance. I think all are good enough for first team playing time at a high level right now.
My money is on EPB. McKennie wins runner-up. Perez could emerge in a big way but I don't think it will be at Fiorentina. I could see a loan or a sale in the cards. I also think Miazga could have a stellar year.
I think that meaning is a bit different than I understood the latest go-round but that is fine. No one ever said it had to be the same. Basically, breakthrough means a significant improvement over where the young player is now with a few minimum standards ie. it doesn't mean stepping up a level at the youth level. It could be going from a youth/usl player to starter in MLS, or it could be going from a starter to the main guy or one of the main guys on MLS and a best eleven season etc. In addition, no repeat winners.
Pomykol seems like he's a year away from being considered in the CCV/McKennie/EPB category. I'd say the same for Taitague. Those kids need a little more time before they're going to "break out." We need to see more.........................
When he gets consistent first team playing time somewhere, WATCH OUT. I said it before the tournament, and I'll say it again, he's the best player at the U-20 WC. People have been talking about Sargent (and rightfully so), but Palmer-Brown was our best player in qualifying, and has been our best player so far in the U-20 WC. Players at this level have so far been incapable of challenging him. Scouted's MOTM: Erik Palmer-Brown, 20. 🇺🇸Always in the right place at the right time. EPB barely put a foot wrong even with one less man. pic.twitter.com/8Jxj5Z053O— SCOUTED (@scoutedftbl) May 28, 2017 I'd say yes— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) May 28, 2017
This has always been a major problem with certain franchises in MLS. That EPB has wasted away on the reserves is ludicrous. Nor even sure if "certain" is correct. Could be every MLS team except Red Bulls just won't play great young players that might want to leave before they are 27.
Jesus Ferreira on the bench for FCD tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just a thought. He's younger than Josh Sargent and Andrew Carleton. He's a December 2000.
Need to get that kid citizenship. Would really like to see a Ferreira-Sargent-Carleton front 3 for the U-17's. Maybe it'll happen in time for the U-17 WC.
Think of the next U20 cycle with the front 6 in a 4-3-3 of Ferreira-Sargent-Carleton-Taitague-Pomykol-Adams. Hot. Damn. Too much attacking talent, and not enough bite defensively as Adams really isn't a #6. Maybe take out Pomykol and insert Chris Durkin as the #6. Adams will play as the 8? Still......................Hot. Damn.