As the 2026 MLS season progresses, a new generation of young players is beginning to stand out across the league. From promising defenders to exciting attacking talents, these rising stars are making an impact with performances that go beyond their age.
Powered by CompaAI, Comparisonator’s AI-driven analysis tool, we take a closer look at the numbers behind their performances. By turning complex football data into clear insights, CompaAI highlights their key strengths, impact and potential, helping identify some of the most exciting young talents emerging in MLS.
4 Best U23 Performers MLS 2026 so Far
Cavan Sullivan (’09)(RW) – Philadelphia Union
Cavan Sullivan‘s CompaAI Parameters League Offensive report:
Sullivan stands out as one of the most dangerous young right wingers in MLS, combining goal threat with strong 1v1 ability. He ranks 3rd among 32 right wingers for Goals per 90 (0.47), behind only Lionel Messi and David Martínez. He is also 3rd for Shots per 90 (2.84) and Shots on Target per 90 (1.35), highlighting his ability to consistently find dangerous positions and turn attacking actions into genuine scoring opportunities.
His dribbling numbers add another dimension to his profile. Sullivan ranks 3rd for Successful Dribbles per 90 (3.24) and 4th for Successful Dribbling in the Final Third (2.70), showing his ability to beat defenders and carry the ball into threatening areas.
Beyond individual actions, Sullivan is highly involved in Philadelphia Union’s attacking sequences. He ranks 3rd for Successful Offensive Actions per 90 (28.99) and 3rd for Playing in Scoring Attacks per 90 (1.28). With strong box involvement and an efficient left-footed finish, Sullivan profiles as a direct and productive winger who can create danger both by attacking defenders and arriving in scoring positions.
Neil Pierre (’07)(CB) – Philadelphia Union
Neil Pierre‘s CompaAI Parameters League Offensive report:
Neil Pierre stands out for his dominance in defensive duels, particularly in the air. He ranks 1st among 99 centre-backs for Aerial Duels Won % (84.62%) and also 1st for Defensive Aerial Duels Won % (80%), showing exceptional reliability when defending crosses, direct balls and set-piece situations.
His overall duel efficiency is equally impressive. Pierre ranks 1st for Duels Won % (73.94%) and 2nd for Duels Won per 90 (8.97), highlighting a defender who combines a high success rate with strong involvement in individual battles. He also performs well in loose-ball situations, ranking 5th for Loose Ball Duels Won per 90 (1.37), which reflects his ability to react quickly and regain possession in broken phases of play.
While his ground-duel numbers are more balanced than dominant, Pierre’s aerial strength, physical presence and consistency in defensive contests make him a highly effective young centre-back, particularly for teams that value strong box defending and control of direct play.
Bruno Caicedo (’05)(LW) – Vancouver Whitecaps
Bruno Caicedo‘s CompaAI Parameters League Offensive report:
Caicedo’s biggest strength is his directness in the final third. He leads all 38 left wingers for Shots per 90 (3.18) and Open-Play Shots per 90 (2.96), while also ranking among the best for shots on target. He is constantly looking to attack the goal rather than simply recycle possession from wide areas.
That intent is also reflected in his movement inside the box. Caicedo ranks 1st for Touches in the Box per 90 (8.23) and 2nd for xG per 90 (0.52), while scoring 0.55 goals per 90. His numbers suggest a winger who regularly gets into high-quality finishing positions and can offer a genuine goal threat from the left side.
He is equally dangerous with the ball at his feet. Caicedo leads his position for Dribbles per 90 (7.24), Final-Third Dribbles per 90 (6.59) and Successful Final-Third Dribbles per 90 (3.73). His willingness to take defenders on makes him particularly effective in open spaces and one-v-one situations.
With all of his goals coming on his right foot, Caicedo looks most comfortable cutting inside from the left and attacking central areas. His profile is that of a direct, aggressive winger who can carry the ball, enter the box frequently and finish attacks himself.
Cade Cowell (’03)(RW) – New York RB
Cade Cowell’s CompaAI Parameters League Passing report:
Cowell’s strongest attacking quality is his delivery from wide areas. He ranks 1st among 32 right wingers for Successful Crosses per 90 (2.29) and 2nd for Crosses per 90 (5.79), showing both volume and efficiency when providing service from the flank.
He is also heavily involved around the penalty area. Cowell ranks 2nd for Received Passes in the Penalty Area per 90 (4.01) and 3rd for Passes into the Penalty Box per 90 (7.34), underlining how often he is involved in dangerous attacking zones and final-third combinations.
His creative output adds another layer to his game. He ranks 6th for Key Passes per 90 (1.15) and 3rd for Successful Through Passes % (75%), suggesting he can do more than simply cross from wide positions. Cowell profiles as a winger who can stretch the pitch, deliver consistently into the box and connect well with runners in advanced areas.
