Lucho Acosta shone brighter than any other player – even Lionel Messi – in Major League Soccer in 2023.
However, the FC Cincinnati playmaker was already a known quantity in the league. There were other players who either came from nowhere or reached new heights who enjoyed a breakout year. Here are five of them.
By Graham Ruthven, MLS Expert
Noel Buck (New England Revolution)
Noel Buck made a big impact for the New England Revolution even as the Foxborough outfit endured a challenging year on and off the pitch. The emergence of Buck as one of the brightest young players in the league was one highlight with the 18-year-old tipped to achieve big things in the sport.
Buck is a midfield all-rounder. He can contribute on all sides of the game and is capable of operating as a number six or eight and can even play in a wide position. The teenager is comfortable on the ball and has the work ethic expected of central midfielders in the modern game.
Born in the USA, Buck made his England U19 debut earlier this year and caused a stir by turning up to a Revolution match in a retro Three Lions shirt. The 18-year-old could still improve his attacking decision-making and has still to grow into his frame, but 2023 was the year Buck showcased his potential.
Drake Callender (Inter Miami)
Inter Miami will remember 2023 as the year Lionel Messi made the move to South Florida. However, it was also the year that Drake Callender completed his transformation into one of the best goalkeepers in the league. Not so long ago, the 26-year-old was third-choice for Inter Miami. He also spent 2021 playing in USL League One. Now, he’s Tata Martino’s first-choice.
The inaugural Leagues Cup was defined by Messi’s goalscoring performances, but Callender was just as much of a match-winner, saving two penalties and scoring one in the final shootout against Nashville. Callender was rewarded with his first USA call-up in August and could be in next summer’s Copa America squad if he starts next season well.
Benjamin Cremaschi (Inter Miami)
Gregg Berhalter has persuaded several dual-nationals to play for the USA with Argentina-eligible Benjamin Cremaschi called up for the first time in September. The 18-year-old caught the eye for Inter Miami this year, scoring two goals and assisting four more in 28 MLS appearances. Even more is expected of him in 2024.
Cremaschi is an extremely talented two-way midfielder who is most comfortable as a number eight. The teenager is naturally creative and is excellent at finding half-spaces between the lines where he can disrupt opposition defences. With Messi alongside him, Cremaschi has the perfect mentor to learn from.
Griffin Dorsey (Houston Dynamo)
Griffin Dorsey was already an established member of the Houston Dynamo first team entering 2023, but his performance levels reached a new level this season. While Dorsey started the campaign as a depth option, he quickly made himself a key figure for Ben Olsen’s team and become indispensable.
“He’s one of the stories in MLS, and he should be,” said Houston Dynamo goalkeeper Steve Clark. “What he brings to our team with his pace, the amount of ground he covers, his strength – he’s just a real force to be reckoned with in the way he plays.”
Dorsey is a crucial part of the way Houston play out from the back with the 24-year-old finishing the season as the team’s defensive leader in goals (three), assists (two), key passes (15) and shot-creating actions per 90 minutes (2.37). He also ranked highly in progressive carries per 90 minutes (3.33) and fifth in successful take-ons per 90 minutes (1.23).
Duncan McGuire (Orlando City)
Duncan McGuire earned himself a reputation as one of the best finishers in MLS this season, scoring 13 goals in 31 appearances (12 of them off the bench). Not so long ago, McGuire was playing college football, but he is now widely seen as one of the best young forwards the USA has right now.
McGuire was handed his first U23 call-up for the USA in October and many believe he will one day make the step up to the senior team at some point in the future. The 22-year-old has been compared to Daryl Dike who also made a name for himself in college before jumping up to MLS with Orlando City.
“They are similar players in terms of willingness and energy and big body in presence up top, both of them have willingness to work,” said Orlando manager Oscar Pareja when comparing McGuire and Dike. Another full season in MLS could help McGuire reach even higher heights next year.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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