Tor-Kristian Karlsen, a former sporting director in European football and current contributor to ESPN FC, has released his list of top 5 prospects under the age of 21 in Concacaf. And two familiar faces from MLS are included.
Philadelphia Union playmaker Brenden Aaronson and FC Dallas midfielder Paxton Pomykal are third and fourth, respectively, on Karlsen's list, which was published Wednesday.
At No. 4, Karlsen likens Pomykal's skillset to that of Barcelona's 23-year-old Dutchman Frenkie de Jong. As for Aaronson at No. 3, Karlsen struggles for a direct comparison, but in a good way, because the Union midfielder can assume so many different roles.
Aaronson has an assist and has played 172 out of 180 minutes for the Union at the MLS is Back Tournament to help his team win both their Group A games.
For more on Karlsen's evaluation of Aaronson and Pomykal, and the rest of his Top 5, check out his story on espn.com.
