Is there anything more exciting for soccer fans than a new kid on the block tearing up the pitch?
We love to be wowed by wonder kids breaking through.
We make wild predictions about their futures. We compare them to legends of the past. We rush to bet on them before the bookmakers catch on, then check our odds calculator to see the potential returns.
But young players are only new and shiny for a short time. Yesterday’s Wonder Kid is tomorrow’s first team regular from whom fans expect a certain level of performance. If expectations are not met, that player can quickly fall out of favor.
We are well past the halfway point of the 2024 regular season, so who are the rising stars whose names are on everybody’s lips? Which youngsters have caused the most excitement with their exploits on the pitch?
Here are 5 young MLS players everyone is talking about.
Benjamin Cremaschi – Inter Miami
Cremaschi is living every young American boy’s dream.
After coming out of nowhere last season, the attacking midfielder went on to rack up 41 appearances, 3 goals, and 6 assists in all competitions. Not only that but Inter Miami won the Leagues Cup that year, with Cremaschi playing an important role.
He has equalled last season’s goal tally in just 14 games for Miami so far in 2024, despite being out injured with a hernia at the start of the season.
At just 19, he’s tall, strong, versatile, and very good on the ball when defenders close in tight. He’s so good in fact, that he has already won his first international cap.
Reed Baker-Whiting – Seattle Sounders
Although he made his MLS debut in 2021, it wasn’t until last season that 19-year-old Reed Baker-Whiting established himself in Seattle Sounders’ starting lineup.
Unfortunately, he was dogged by hamstring injuries until recently but made his comeback around May. In 10 starts he has achieved 43 clearances, 54 interceptions, and attempted 87 tackles with a 58% success rate.
So he looks to be returning to his previous form.
His passing accuracy has shown marked improvements, but he does have a habit of going in too hard and conceding free kicks.
A gifted technical player with all-round ability, Baker-Whiting can play left back, right back, or in midfield. He’s therefore a huge asset for the Sounders who are looking to return to their winning ways after a trophyless 2023 campaign.
Chris Brady – Chicago Fire
One of Chicago Fire’s homegrown players, Chris Brady has established himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper at the tender age of 20.
The 6’3 stopper managed 8 clean sheets from 30 games in his first full season between the sticks, displaying impressive athleticism and tactical maturity.
Although conceding in every one of his 21 games so far this season, Brady plays for a team in trouble and cannot be blamed. He has made 70 saves, the 5th highest across both conferences, with a save percentage of around 70%.
Considering his age, these stats are incredible.
Noel Buck – New England Revolution
Another 19-year-old midfielder, Noel Buck is making a name for himself as a hard-working player with great vision, creativity, and composure on the ball.
He dribbles well and is an excellent passer of the ball, equally adept at creating chances and tracking back to help in defense.
He broke through into New England’s first team last season, and has been fighting for a regular place in 2024 hampered by minor injury setbacks. He has managed 1 goal and 1 assist in 13 games (7 starts) this season, with a shot accuracy of about 67%.
Those stats might have been better still if New England Revolution weren’t struggling towards the bottom of the table.
Agustin Ojeda – New York City
An Argentinian winger signed by New York City in February of this year. Agustin Ojeda quickly made his presence known with 3 goals and 1 man of the match award in 16 games so far, helping NYCFC improve after a disastrous 2023 campaign.
His confidence for a 20-year-old in a new league and a foreign country is remarkable.
Although reserved off the pitch, he shows great determination on it. He presses hard and wins the ball, although isn’t so keen on tracking back.
He isn’t tall but is prone to bursts of electric pace, likes to play short passes, keeps the ball close to his feet, and prefers to play the ball forward rather than back.