Dest enjoyed a breakout year for club and country in 2019, starring for the USA during its quarterfinal run at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland, installing himself as a regular for European powerhouse Ajax and earning his first three senior Men’s National Team caps. The crafty and creative outside back started four of five games for the USA in Poland, including the team’s thrilling 3-2 Round of 16 victory against France, when Dest sparked the game-winning goal with a shot from distance.

Returning to Ajax, the defender started to see regular first-team minutes during the preseason and qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. After making his Ajax debut in July, Dest has appeared in 13 of 16 Eerdivisie games and eight of 10 Champions League matches for the Dutch giants.

His play in the Netherlands earned him his first MNT call-up in September, when he picked up his first cap vs. Mexico. Also eligible to play for the Netherlands, Dest tied his international future to the U.S. in November, helping the MNT earn a berth in the Concacaf Nations League Semifinals during a crucial 4-1 win over Canada, assisting on the game’s opening goal.

“It’s an amazing award to win and I’m very proud of this moment,” Dest said. I want to thank U.S. Soccer for the nomination, I also want to thank my family, my mom, my dad and everybody who has helped me along the way. Without them, I would not be at the level I am right now. This is a great experience for me, and I look forward to winning more team trophies with the U.S. in the future. This is a really pleasant moment and it makes me feel valued.”