The Homegrown pipeline from the Development Academy to the the first team is an enormous benefit for players in those systems. But it also serves as an attention hog for those players who aren’t in those MLS systems with a readymade pathway to the pro ranks straight out of academy ball.
Because yes, there are hordes of promising young non-MLS DA players with enticing pro prospects. Some even more so than their MLS counterparts.
Today, we break apart the cocoon surrounding some of those most promising players perhaps not garnering the attention of their MLS doppelgangers. They might ultimately have to go through the college ranks first in lieu of taking their talents abroad, but these five under-the-radar talents outside MLS are positively breaking the league apart this season.
Today, we start with the U16s. Keep an eye out for these guys. You’ll be hearing about them again.
