MLS 22 Under 22: Inter Miami’s Diego Gomez named top young player in MLS & Philadelphia Union, USMNT and Man City prospect Cavan Sullivan just sneaks in

MLS’ 22 Under 22 list was released Tuesday, and Inter Miami’s Diego Gomez topped the 2024 rankings. The Paraguayan attacker was voted as the best young player in the league by MLS coaches, General Managers, Sporting Directors, MLS Season Pass Talent, and select media members.

An MLS record of 16 Homegrown players made the list, with Real Salt Lake and USYNT attacker Diego Luna being the highest at No. 2 on the rankings. Rounding out the top three is fellow U.S. youth international, Jack McGlynn – teammate of Sullivan with the Union.

In total, Inter Miami had five players make the list with while notably, Philadelphia Union and Manchester City prospect Cavan Sullivan was also named at No. 18.

The 15-year-old broke headlines over the summer when he signed the largest Homegrown deal in MLS history, and became the youngest player to ever debut in the league – snapping Freddy Adu’s longstanding record in July.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Gomez leads all of MLS in points-per-match with 2.39 and the club is unbeaten in 17 of his 18 appearances this season. He has three goals and seven assists during that span.

  Inter Miami’s other members of the list include midfielders Federico Redondo, Benjamin Cremaschi and David Ruiz, while defender Tomas Aviles was also included.

  The entire 22 Under 22 list can be found here.

  • WHAT INTER MIAMI STAFF, PLAYERS SAID ON GOMEZ

    “Diego makes very important contributions to the team. Above all, he is a player with a lot of physical stamina, and while he is involved in the team’s offense, I believe he is the player who recovers the most balls for us,” manager Tata Martino said.

    Teammates Redondo and Sergio Busquets also shared words on the Paraguayan.

    “Diego makes everything easy for you. He always gives you a passing option, retrieves the ball, and gives it to you,” Redondo – who also made the list – said. “I have no words to describe him as a player. Playing with someone like him always makes things easier.”

    Busquets, a veteran leader on the team, shared that “he is an important player for us because of everything he contributes,” speaking on Gomez.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR MLS?

    Decision Day for the regular season looms, with the regular season finale arriving on Oct. 19. The postseason seeding, matches and entrants will all be confirmed on the final matchday of the campaign.

    The Herons, however, will be the No. 1 overall seed after claiming the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield last week.