By Joseph Lowery (@joeincleats)

In Major League Soccer, young players don’t always get a chance to show their stuff. When they do get a chance, only a very small percentage of players under 21 actually add value to a team over more experienced options - that’s why it is such a big deal when youngsters play and make an impact in MLS. Because of the relative rarity of young players getting minutes in MLS, we are going to look at and appreciate some of the top U-21 talent that has burst onto the scene and produced this season.

This is “American Soccer Analysis”, not “Every Country Soccer Analysis” so we are going to focus exclusively on American youngsters. Lets kick this thing off in Kansas City.

Jaylin Lindsey, Fullback, Sporting Kansas City

Peter Vermes’ system at SKC is a fullback’s statistical paradise. Graham Zusi and Jimmy Medranda have both put up outstanding numbers and Jaylin Lindsey, though he has been playing more sporadically, is doing the same. Lindsey, 18, has become a big part of Sporting Kansas City’s squad, recently getting some starts at left back despite being a natural right back. In almost six hundred minutes, Lindsey has not only cemented his status as a top American prospect, but he has proven himself as one of the better fullbacks in Major League Soccer. Among fullbacks with at least 500 minutes, Jaylin Lindsey is…

14th in key passes (passes that lead directly to a shot) per 96 minutes with 1.14. Even as a defensive player, his vision and passing ability are both extremely valuable.

Second in passes per 96 (24.0) and passing completion percentage (85.1%) in the final third. Lindsey gets forward in possession and is comfortable in attacking areas.

Third in expected passing completion percentage at 81.2%.

These passing numbers speak to Lindsey’s talent and fit in his manager’s set up. Vermes has infused some youth into his backline, while keeping the positional profile he wants at outside back. Lindsey is an attacking-minded defender capable of making a tangible, statistical difference when given the opportunity. The 18-year-old is improving every chance he gets and is on the fast track to the USMNT.

Chris Durkin, CDM, DC United

Chris Durkin is smooth. He is great on the ball and operates well in tight spaces, especially for an 18-year-old.

For a team like DC United who need skillful players to support a talented (at least on paper) attack, Durkin is a valuable player to promote attacks from deep in midfield. Manager Ben Olsen has his squad playing in a 4-1-4-1 usually with either Júnior Moreno or Chris Durkin playing as the lone defensive midfielder in front of the back four.