Erik Palmer-Brown | Defender | Sporting KC | Age: 18
Last Year in 24 Under 24: n/a
2015 Stats: Matches played: 3 - Goals: 0 - Assists: 0
Erik Palmer-Brown full bio and stats
The youngest player on this year's list is quite possibly the one with the most upside. Sporting Kansas City Homegrown center back Erik Palmer-Brown has attracted interest on both sides of the Atlantic and is expected to play a big role in this US U-20 national team's cycle. He certainly has the physical goods to do so.
As with almost all teenagers, the questions will be about mentality – specifically how he handles success, how he handles failure and if he can keep his learning curve bending upward.
What the technical staffers say: "I like him. From what we’ve seen of him – I know that Juventus likes him – I think that he’s got a ton of talent, good young soccer brain. I think he’s caught a little bit in the growth cycle, though. [Sporting KC head coach Peter Vermes'] environment is a really challenging environment.
"You don’t get those days to be young. If you’re ready, you’re ready, if you’re not, you’re not. You’re not going to be coddled."
What Opta Sports says: Erik Palmer-Brown is the third youngest player to have played in MLS in 2015. Last season, he became the youngest defender to ever start an MLS game at 17 years, 24 days.
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- READ: Palmer-Brown learns harsh lesson in MLS debut, but vows to improve
- WATCH: EPB runs down EJ and blocks his shot
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