A former Man United youngster, and the man who turned down Werder Bremen, meet 5 MLS youngsters that could move to Europe

For all the talk of MLS being a home to veteran stars, there remains a core of exciting younger talents. Increasingly a league in which value for money signings can be made, we chose five players aged 23 or under that could follow in the footsteps of Geoff Cameron and DeAndre Yedlin.

Jack Harrison, New York City FC

Born in Stoke-on-Trent, Jack Harrison has exploded onto MLS this season with a mix of speed and clever tricks. A member of Manchester United’s youth academy until he was 14-years-old, that education shines through in Harrison’s play. Direct, confident on the ball, and able to see a pass that others don’t, he has quickly become a difference maker for NYCFC this season.

Still only 19-years-old, Harrison is also said to be catching the eye of England U21 manager Gareth Southgate. A call-up would certainly validate his decision to leave Man Utd, and it may also see clubs back in England take notice of the talented teenager.

“He’s a modern winger,” Patrick Vieira said earlier this year. “He can come inside, he can go on the line, he can score goals, and he’s really good in 1-vs-1 situations. He’s the type of modern winger that you like to have in the team. He’s young, but I’m sure he will have a massive part to play in our squad. He’s enthusiastic, he’s full of energy, and this is what we want.”

Cyle Larin, Orlando City

Few if any young forwards bring consistent goals in MLS like Cyle Larin. The Canadian forward broke rookie records last season with a 17 goal haul, which in turn caught the eye of numerous European scouts.

A classic number nine, Larin is a physically imposing forward that seems to be improving with each passing game. Speaking to Yahoo Sport UK earlier this season, New York Red Bulls defender Ronald Zubar likened Larin to another MLS forward in Didier Drogba, which is hard to argue against.

At present, his only major weakness is that sometimes games can pass him by. However, when on form, Larin’s can be nigh unstoppable. Able to score goals from a variety of different positions, it is that versatility that will likely see him be the next player to earn a move to Europe, with sources telling Yahoo Sport UK that a host of clubs are monitoring his situation with a view to a move in January.

Keegan Rosenberry, Philadelphia Union

Named after former England international Kevin Keegan, the self confessed Newcastle fan joined MLS this season and has exceeded expectation. Aggressive in the tackle and composed on the ball, Rosenberry’s biggest asset remains his maturity. The defender has committed just 12 fouls this season, and handled some tough 1-on-1 match-ups very well.

In part due to his unwillingness to dive in, Rosenberry’s habit of consistently making smart decisions is what sets him apart from other young full-backs in the league.

Seemingly mature off the field too, his college coach Brian Wiese said in an interview, “You get off the phone with him and you’re like, ‘I think that was him and not his dad. He’s an old man in a young man’s body.”

Forging part of the new look backline for the Union, it’s a testament to Rosenberry’s talent that he managed to earn a nomination to July’s All-Star game in only his first season. Still with some way to go before he hits his ceiling as a defender, Rosenberry has all the tools, required to one day play in Europe.

Jordan Morris, Seattle Sounders

The saga of which club Jordan Morris would pick – Werder Bremen or Seattle Sounders – was one of the leading narratives heading into the 2016 season. Eventually choosing his home-town club, Morris is seen as one of the most exciting US prospects at present (along with Borussia Dortmund’s Christian Pulisic).

However, that billing has at times marginalised his accomplishments in MLS this season. The forward already has 10 goals as a rookie, which includes five game winning goals. Not only is that a record for a rookie, it is also the joint highest in MLS this season.

Placing him alongside players like teammate Clint Dempsey and Bradley Wright-Phillips, (who both have five) it is also more than the likes of Sebastian Giovinco, Frank Lampard, and Kaka. Steadily improving during the course of the season, Morris has already shown a versatility to his game. Originally billed as a fast, channel running forward, he has been working on his ability to play as both a target man and a poacher this season.

Not yet the finished product, it could be levelled at Morris that he needs to still work on key aspects of his game, most notably his left foot. His inability to do so has at times cost him in the final third, forcing him to use his right foot in an awkward way. If Morris can smooth that out he will head to Europe a better player than the one that turned down Bremen, and reaffirm his status as one of the country’s brightest prospects.

Ronald Matarrita, New York City FC

A defender signed from Costa Rican giants Alajuelense in January, Mataritta has taken to MLS well in his debut season. Able to operate as either a left-fullback or a centre-back, the defender brings an energetic style and is always willing to get forward and support attacks.

“He’s a young player who is full of energy. He likes to go forward and I really like that,” NYCFC coach Patrick Vieira said. “He still has a lot to work on in his defensive duty, but what I ask of him and what I want from him is to be part of the build-up from behind. I like him to go forward because that is his strength.”

Granted, his game is not perfect. Predominantly left footed, Matarrita’s unwillingness to use his right foot has been a hindrance to his progress, particularly when he is asked to play in tight spaces. If he can work on that weakness, and improve his already strong assets in the final third he will likely be the next Costa Rican player to make an impact in Europe.