On Tuesday, the MLS announced its 22 Under 22 list, with Inter Miami’s Diego Gomez taking the top spot for 2024. The Paraguayan midfielder has been recognized as the top young player in the league by a panel that includes MLS coaches, General Managers, Sporting Directors, MLS Season Pass Talent, and some media representatives. 16 Homegrown players from MLS made the cut, with Real Salt Lake’s Diego Luna, who plays for the USYNT, standing out at No. 2 in the rankings. Completing the top three is another U.S. youth international, Jack McGlynn, who plays alongside Sullivan at the Union.
Inter Miami’s Diego Gomez Tops MLS’ ’22 Under 22′ List
Inter Miami midfielder Diego Gómez believed that team officials had arranged a photo and video shoot for him to help promote the upcoming MLS Cup playoffs. However, the team had a surprise for the midfielder, and what followed brought Gómez to tears. Officials from Inter Miami arranged a video chat, allowing his family from Colonia de Mburicaretá, Paraguay, to share the big announcement with him. The player could not help but break into tears. Gómez was named the top player on Major League Soccer’s annual “22 Under 22” list, recognising the league’s brightest young talent.
The 22 Under 22 list differs from the MLS Young Player of the Year award, which will be revealed later this fall. However, Gómez, being at the top of this list, shows that he is a strong candidate for the MLS Young Player of the Year award as well. Cavan Sullivan, the youngest player on the list, debuted with the Philadelphia Union at just 14 years old earlier this season. He celebrated his 15th birthday in late September.
Chris Henderson Says He Is Proud Of Diego
Inter Miami boasts an impressive record of 13 wins, 1 draw, and 4 losses with Diego Gómez on the pitch in league matches. He has played at least 75 minutes and has helped his team with 11 wins, 0 draws, and 3 losses. In a recent statement, Inter Miami sporting director Chris Henderson said:
“We’re very proud of Diego for the tremendous growth he’s shown since arriving at the club and are happy to see it recognized with this special honor. He’s a game-changing player who makes everybody around him better. His dynamism paired with his effort has been crucial to the team’s success, and we are excited to see everything he will accomplish.”
Gómez spent his early years on his grandparents’ farm in Paraguay, where he was actively involved in ploughing fields and feeding cows with the sugar cane cultivated by the family. He spent hours kicking any kind of ball he could find, and he frequently had to endure lengthy bike rides or walks to get to his youth team’s training. Now, he shares the pitch alongside legends like Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez, and Jordi Alba.
“He is an important player for us because of everything he contributes,” Busquets said.
Miami Have Five Players On The MLS’ ’22 Under 22′ List
Inter Miami has been excellent this season. They can now boast five players on the 22 Under 22 list. Gómez leads the pack, accompanied by No. 5 Federico Redondo, No. 6 Benjamín Cremaschi, who at just 19 is the first teenager featured, No. 12 Tomás Avilés, and No. 21 David Ruiz.
“This recognition is a symbol of the hard work and dedication our young players display every day as they make a mark on this team and in this league,” Henderson said.
The selection process for the list involved a panel comprising MLS coaches, general managers, sporting directors, MLS Season Pass talent, and a select group of media representatives. The 22 players to make the lists are:
- Diego Gómez (Inter Miami)
- Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake)
- Jack McGlynn (Philadelphia Union)
- Brian Gutiérrez (Chicago Fire)
- Federico Redondo (Inter Miami)
- Benjamin Cremaschi (Inter Miami)
- Obed Vargas (Seattle Sounders)
- Quinn Sullivan (Philadelphia Union)
- Jalen Neal (LA Galaxy)
- Esmir Bajraktarević (New England Revolution)
- Daniel Edelman (New York Red Bulls)
- Tomás Aviles (Inter Miami)
- Chris Brady (Chicago Fire)
- Nathan Saliba (CF Montreal)
- Kevin Kelsy (FC Cincinnati)
- Julián Aude (LA Galaxy)
- Owen Wolff (Austin FC)
- Cavan Sullivan (Philadelphia Union)
- David Martinez (Los Angeles Football Club)
- Christian McFarlane (New York City FC)
- David Ruiz (Inter Miami)
- Peyton Miller (New England Revolution)
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