MLSsoccer.com's annual ranking showcasing the top young players in MLS returns on Dec. 3.
The series will once again count down the top 22 players under the age of 22, as voted on by an expert panel.
When are the 22 Under 22 rankings revealed?
The top 22 players in MLS under the age of 22 as of the end of the 2019 regular season (i.e. 21 or younger before October 6), will be revealed on Dec. 3 on Twitter (Nos. 11-22) and Dec. 4 (Nos. 1-10).
The top 10 reveal on Dec. 4 will take place on the 22 Under 22 Top 10 reveal show at 1 p.m. CT.
How were the rankings determined?
The rankings will reflect the votes submitted by a panel of 19 individuals comprising:
- 6 anonymous technical staffers;
- 2 current MLS players
- 7 members of the MLS Digital team (Charlie Davies, Matt Doyle and Bobby Warshaw, among others);
- 3 members of the MLS Player Department
How are players evaluated?
All MLS players under the age of 22 (21 or younger) before Oct. 6, 2019 were eligible for consideration.
The panel ranked the eligible players based on the following criteria: technical ability, tactical IQ, physical attributes and future potential.
How can you get involved?
Fans have the chance to vote on who they think are the best players under the age of 22 here. Their rankings will be unveiled on Dec. 2.
What did past rankings look like?
The nine previous editions of the 24 Under 24 and 22 Under 22 rankings saw several notable international talents emerge at No. 1:
2018: Alphonso Davies (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
2017: Miguel Almiron (Atlanta United FC)
2016: Cyle Larin (Orlando City SC)
2015: Fabian Castillo (FC Dallas)
2014: DeAndre Yedlin (Seattle Sounders FC)
2013: Darlington Nagbe (Portland Timbers)
2012: Darren Mattocks (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
2011: Brek Shea (FC Dallas)
2010: Fredy Montero (Seattle Sounders FC)
