Since being named to The Guardian’s Next Generation list in 2014, Sporting Kansas City’s Erik Palmer-Brown has been looked at as one of the next big things for U.S. Soccer. After his standout displays for the United States U20 National Team this year at both the CONCACAF U20 Championship and FIFA U20 World Cup, that trajectory shows no signs of slowing down.

Palmer-Brown was the Golden Ball recipient at the CONCACAF U20 Championship as he led the United States to its first victory at the event in program history. His calmness on the ball was evident in his play for the Swope Park Rangers in the USL prior to the event, where his calm decision-making and positioning set him apart in each of his appearances.

“It’s been really helpful for my game,” Palmer-Brown said prior to the FIFA U20 World Cup. “Getting fit, staying sharp, getting touches on the ball, playing with a good team with a great group of guys in the Swope Park Rangers, for me it’s been all I can ask for.”

While Palmer-Brown’s time in the USL was short, the road ahead appears wide open for the outstanding young talent.