Ernesto Vega (Mexico)An exciting attacking spark plug, Ernesto Vega’s come up through the youth ranks at Toluca to emerge as yet another promising youngster in Liga MX. While a torn ACL caused him to miss the entire 2017 Clausura (and knocked him out of action for more than a year), Vega’s already had ample opportunity to showcase what he can do.A winger that can bedazzled defenders with his mazy runs, Vega is an effective creator who can pick out teammates with his crossing ability, or find space in between defenders to finish chances on his own. He made his return to the pitch in the 2017 Apertura, scoring a goal in five appearances. Provided that his injury issues are in the past, and Vega returns as sharp as he ways during long stretches of 2016, he’ll cause plenty of issues for Liga MX defenders next year and beyond.Mckinze Gaines (USA)Gaines leveraged his opportunities with with a talented U.S. Under-17 national team in 2015 qualifying into a move to Wolfsburg in Germany. Another wide attacking-type that can scare defenders with his pace and prowess on the ball, after a solid 2016/17 campaign for Wolfsburg U-19s, he’s since moved on to join Darmstadt in the 2. Bundesliga with an obvious goal of earning first-team minutes.While he hasn’t slotted into the starting lineup right away, Gaines did make his debut back on Oct. 16, a 4-3 loss against Nurnberg. Forcing his way onto the field in whatever way possible is now the main goal, and like other players of both his age and stature, being consistent is a significant key to make that a reality. Gaines may not be as flashy as some of his other talented rising U.S. stars, though he remains one to watch.Juan Pablo Torres (USA)Even though American youngsters moving to Europe isn’t unheard of, when Torres signed with Belgian club Sporting Lokeren it did come as something of a surprise. The Atlanta native hadn’t slipped through the cracks – he’s represented the U.S. at several youth teams – but it was more the destination that was striking.Belgium hasn’t necessarily been a common landing place for players from the United States, so the 18-year-old midfielder is something of a trailblazer. Torres isn’t the first, as Sacha Kljestan spent several years at Anderlecht, but after he had already established himself as a pro in Major League Soccer. A calm and composed presence capable of quick-passing and tactically savvy, Torres is looking to forge his professional reputation at a mid-level club in Europe as opposed to pursue opportunities closer to home. Minutes have been hard to come by for the Lokeren first team, although the talent is there for Torres to start making a name for himself before season’s end.NEXT: Mexico’s young stud and the USA’s Premier League hopefulHaji Wright (USA)American youngsters seeking to make it at the highest level continue to flock to Europe, and Wright is getting closer to turning his foray into a success story. Coming through the LA Galaxy Academy, the swift, powerful front-runner became a fixture for the U.S. Under-17 national team, leading the line for the team’s unsuccessful 2015 World Cup campaign.Wright showed plenty of physical tools, though struggled on the technical side of things at that age group. Attracting the eye of Schalke, he signed with the Bundesliga side shortly after his 18th birthday. From there, the tactical and technical side of the game improved, complementing Wright’s physical tools as he excelled for Schalke’s U-19s during the 2016/17 campaign.Wright continues to redefine his game on loan Sandhausen in the 2. Bundesliga. His hope is to eventually make the same kind of impression that both Pulisic and McKennie have already done in the German top flight.Roberto Alvarado (Mexico)Despite having only recently turned 19, Roberto Alvarado’s been a professional for more than four years, after making his first-team debut in Ascenso MX for Celaya back in 2013. A tall, lanky deep-lying central midfielder, Alvarado’s had his ups and downs during that stretch. There’s been a move to a bigger club (Pachuca), trials or links with moves abroad (Manchester United, Leicester City) and a new stop, having recently signed Necaxa earlier in 2017.Like other top leagues around the world, earning playing time as a teenager is difficult, and Alvarado’s seen that personally. His talent is easy to spot, especially when he has the ball. Also capable of playing on the left side of the midfield, he is notably calm with possession, and tends to pick out the right pass. Starting to his stride during the most recent Apertura, big things could be within reach for Alvarado during the 2018 Clausura.Cameron Carter-Vickers (USA)The American soccer landscape is littered with cautionary tales and players that failed to live up to high expectations. It’s too soon to throw that label at Cameron Carter-Vickers, a burly center back who clawed his way up the academy system at Tottenham.Between his mouth-watering performances with the U.S. Under-20 national team at a pair of World Cups, and presence on the roster at a big European club, it’s safe to say that a lot is expected of Carter-Vickers. He’s an athletic presence in the middle with the size to handle action at the highest level and ability on the ball to cope with the demands at Spurs, and he is still searching for a breakthrough at club level.Currently on loan in the Championship for the 2017/18 campaign with Sheffield United, signs are positive for the youngster. He has the tools to be a central defender in the Premier League one day – even if it’s not with Tottenham – given the pace, power and precision he has shown at the back.NEXT: Pulisic’s the flash, but McKennie’s the foundation of the USA’s futureLevi Garcia (Trinidad Tobago)There can never be too many electric wingers, unafraid of running at defenders and causing mayhem. And that’s what Garcia has shown in flashes for AZ Alkmaar, as the Trinidad Tobago rising star possesses all the tools to become an enthralling talent at the highest level.His efforts during qualifying for the 2015 CONCACAF Under-20 Championship provided the foundation for Garcia to move from his home country to the Netherlands. He hit the ground running soon after officially joining Alkmaar, debuting in January 2016. At only 18 years and 65 days old, Garcia became the youngest Trinidadian to play for a European club, breaking the record previously held by Dwight Yorke. He’s capable of playing on either flank, though usually deployed on the left side of a 4-3-3, making the attacking lean of the Eredivisie an ideal fit for the full international (Garcia has eight caps for TT after working his way up on various youth teams).Weston McKennie (USA)If Pulisic is the glittering finish on the future of the U.S. men’s national team, consider McKennie the sturdy foundation.McKennie spent a few years growing up in Germany while his dad served in the military, which may have helped the sturdy midfielder hit the ground running after joining Schalke last year.After muscling his way up the ladder and dazzling with the U-19 team during the 2016-17 season, McKennie has started to crack the first-team lineup during the current campaign. The speed of the game hasn’t deterred the holding midfielder, who is also capable of roaming box-to-box. He’s not the flashiest performer, though even at the age of 19, he’s unafraid of throwing himself into challenges, reading the game well to intercept and break up play. Expect to see him more in the Bundesliga this season, as he rarely looks out of place on the field against more experienced players.Christian Pulisic (USA)There are few words and accolades to throw the way of Pulisic as he enters the most interesting point of his career. While the Americans failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup – with Pulisic looking like their only good player on a regular basis – Pulisic has an interesting test for a youngster that still makes things look easy.Still, even in Dortmund’s recent 3-1 loss to Bayern Munich, Pulisic looked like BVB’s best player, dancing past defenders on the ball to leave them in the dust. Even when his club and international career hit some bumps, Pulisic quickly smooths out those by reminding fans of the game what he can do. At times, he can make it look easy, even if the more robust defenders still favor themselves to knock the slight attacker off the ball. Catch him if you can, of course.Click here for more on FourFourTwo's100 Best Teenagers in the World
