As part of the NxGn series, Goal takes a look at the most promising young players in the U.S. national team talent pool
The U.S. national team youth movement is in full swing, and we have already seen some teenagers break in early as they look to help the United States rebuild after failing to qualify for the World Cup.
The battle for playing time in Major League Soccer for teenage players continues to be a point of contention, with more and more fans calling for teams to "play their kids." Tyler Adams is leading the charge on that front as one of the New York Red Bulls' top players, while D.C. United's Chris Durkin has started to earn minutes with his club after making his MLS debut earlier this season.
Tim Weah earned his first U.S. cap in Tuesday's friendly win against Paraguay, capping a whirlwind start to 2018 that saw him make his first-team debut with Paris Saint-Germain. The 18-year-old forward has seen his stock rise considerably since impressing at last year's U-17 World Cup.
With Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie set to leave the teenage ranks with birthdays later this year, here is a look at the best American prospects born after 1998.
1Ulysses Llanez, LA Galaxy IIRegarded as the top American prospect born in 2002, Llanez narrowly missed out making last year's U-17 World Cup squad and is already establishing himself as a top candidate for the next U.S. U-20 team. He impressed at the LA Galaxy's preseason training camp and, after making his pro debut with Galaxy II in 2017, Llanez should see an increased role this year with the USL side.AdvertisementNorth Carolina State Athletics2Manny Perez, North Carolina State The U.S. Under-20 national team defender is an exciting right back prospect who would have been a top two pick in the 2018 MLS draft had he chosen to sign the Generation Adidas offer made to him. A solid defender who is dangerous in the attack, Perez should turn pro soon and is already generating interest from European scouts.Getty Images3Andrew Carleton, Atlanta United The former U.S. Under-17 national team playmaker enjoyed a breakout showing at the U-17 World Cup last year, but the question now is when and if he will have his chance with Atlanta United. Minutes have been tough to come by in 2018, but he has shown glimpses that suggest he could handle an increased role.FC Nordsjaelland4Jonathan Amon, NordsjaellandA speedy winger who started generating buzz after breaking through at Danish club Nordsjaelland at the end of 2017, Amon is a South Carolina native who could emerge as solid left wing option in the upcoming U.S. Under-20 national team cycle. Left wingers are hard to come by, and he's showing himself to be a dangerous one, although he's been sidelined by injury in recent months. He turned heads at the U.S. youth national team super camp in January.