MLSsoccer.com's 22 Under 22 rankings are officially out, meaning it's time for all the takes and reaction on how everything shaped out.
We went around the league to talk to coaches and teammates who work closest with the players who finished in the top 10 and got their quick-hit reactions. Watch the videos below to see what US men's national team legend and former Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Tim Howard, NYCFC head coach Ronny Deila, FC Dallas head coach Luchi Gonzalez, and Jim Curtin and Alejandro Bedoya of the Philadelphia Union had to say about this year's list.
Tim Howard on Cole Bassett (No. 7)
Howard:
"Most importantly, he's one of their own. He grew up in the academy system. He's from the area. He believes in wearing the shirt and wearing it proudly.
"He's got the full package. It's not very often you find a young player with all the attributes he has. It takes courage to be a footballer and he has courage to get on the ball, play in tight spaces, he doesn't mind the physicality of what the game asks from him. He's got a brilliant engine, he's selfless, he's willing to give himself to the team and give himself to whatever cause is asked of the team. And he can not only score goals, but to be on the providing end with timely assists."
Ronny Deila on James Sands (No. 6)
Delia:
"On the pitch, very reliable. You know exactly he's going to do what you tell him to do. Defensively he's very good to read the game and to be in the right positions. He's strong 1v1 defensively. He's got a big engine, can run up and down the pitch all day. And technically he's improving a lot in the midfield.
"For us, a very, very important player."
Luchi Gonzalez on Paxton Pomykal (No. 5)
Gonzalez:
"He's young, but he's a leader -- a leader by example with positivity and energy. He's been through a lot of tough challenges with injuries, in and out of lineups, in and out of rosters because of it, and he's always tried to do his best for the team. He's a team guy. And the bonus to that is his obvious talent on the field, where he can do magic. He can change games. On the dribble, in combination, different positions. So he's a winner, he's a winner in his heart, in his head, he makes us better. Even though he's not on the field right now, I know he's supporting all his teammates and giving us that energy.
"We know how valuable he is to the team, whether he's on the field or off it."
Jim Curtin on Mark McKenzie (No. 3)
Curtin:
"To watch your growth and development over the years, from a young academy defender to a player with the Bethlehem Steel, to now — a player that dominates MLS, a guy that wins his individual battles, wins everything in the air, passes balls through the lines with his left and right foot and has become in my eyes the best defender in MLS. It's been a joy to work with you. The future is very bright."
Alejandro Bedoya on Brenden Aaronson (No. 1)
Bedoya:
"Ever since you stepped on that field, the first moment, I knew that you were not only technically gifted, but you had the right mindset.
"You're so important to our team, your work rate, the ability to find the space in between the lines, the great turn and vision — I just wish you the best in your career."
