The next wave is already here.
From MLS academies across North America, these 2011-born talents are continuing to establish themselves as some of the top young players in their age group ⭐️
Keep these names on your radar
Carson Starrett
Carson Starrett is a complete No. 9 with a strong physical profile, intelligent movement, and the ability to lead the line. An incredible goal threat, Starrett recently moved to Orlando City and now gets a full season to showcase his ability within the club's academy.
Andre Campbell
Andre Campbell is a modern, two-way left-back who covers the entire flank, combining his ability to defend with the athleticism to consistently get forward. Comfortable making overlapping runs and getting involved in the final third, Campbell has the profile of an exciting attacking fullback.
Elijah Kelcher
Elijah Kelcher is a well-rounded midfielder who is comfortable carrying the ball forward and using his passing range to move play around the field. Always finding good positions to receive the ball, he has a strong attacking presence and looks to make things happen going forward.
Austin Gonzalez
Austin Gonzalez is an intelligent and versatile midfielder who is comfortable influencing the game both in and out of possession. Efficient on the ball and aggressive in winning it back, he has the mentality and work rate to thrive in a high-intensity environment.
Blaise Blackwell
Blaise Blackwell is a defensively strong right-back who excels in 1v1 situations and brings a tough, reliable presence to the Nashville SC back line. Simple but effective, Blaise plays with purpose and can be relied on to make an impact at both ends of the field while consistently shutting down opposing wingers.
Miguel Coriano
Miguel Coriano is a left-footed, ball-playing center back who combines size and defensive awareness with real quality in possession. Smooth and composed on the ball, he is comfortable building from the back and distributing with confidence, while his ability to defend and read the game makes him a well-rounded presence in the back line.
Jaxon Ludwick
Jaxon Ludwick is a composed, ball-playing defender who combines aggression with quality in possession and is comfortable playing under pressure. A natural center back who can also operate at right back, the Orlando City captain brings leadership to the back line and even has the ability to make an impact going forward.
Lucas Dawson
Lucas Dawson is an exciting player who thrives in 1v1 situations, using his pace, control, and confidence on the ball to take defenders on and create separation. Comfortable combining with teammates and making things happen in the final third, the Toronto FC prospect has already shown he can impact games against much older competition, making his MLS NEXT Pro debut at just 14 years old.
Yele Dazirignon
Yele Dazirignon is a quick and dangerous striker who uses his pace and intelligent movement to get into the channels and behind opposing defenses. A natural goal threat with strong finishing ability, the Vancouver Whitecaps forward knows how to find space and make the most of his chances.
Reda Chekabab
Reda Chekabab is an athletic and composed center back who combines strong defensive instincts with exceptional quality on the ball. Quick across the ground with an impressive passing range, he can break lines from deep while bringing calmness and leadership to the back line.
Jayden Awitor
Jayden Awitor is a physically imposing defensive midfielder who already stands at 6'1" and uses his size, athleticism, and recovery speed to cover a lot of ground. Despite his physical profile, he's comfortable on the ball with soft feet and the ability to navigate tight spaces, giving him the tools to win possession and quickly transition play.
Christian Vanney
Christian Vanney is a technical and attack-minded midfielder who consistently looks to make things happen in the final third. Comfortable making intelligent runs into the box, he has a good eye for the final ball and can create chances for teammates while also being a threat to score himself.
