More talent is coming out of MLS every year. For a long time, the league was regarded as a place for the best of college soccer, and a handful of Europeans who were coming toward the end of their careers. These days, the reality is different. Now, MLS is a starting point for some of the best in the world.
And even more encouraging for the state of soccer in the United States is where, exactly some of these guys are coming from. These days, MLS academies consistently find, develop, and then sell top tier talent that can play not only in America but also worldwide. It's a sound business model, one that can lead to domestic success and - if done right - solid financial return.
Names such as Alphonso Davies, Ricardo Pepi and Tyler Adams - all of whom have become established internationals - started in MLS academies. Cavan Sullivan might be next. But who else can be considered part of America's elite? GOAL ranks the best homegrown transfers to come out of MLS.