Major League Soccer is bursting with household names such as Didier Drogba, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard but beyond the star faces theres a crop of young, hungry players looking to make their name in America. MLS journalists and experts have ranked the divisions best 24 players under the age of 24, taking into account technical ability, physical attributes and soccer IQ to draw up a hot-list of talent previously headed by Newcastles DeAndre Yedlin.From a prodigious English forward whos been receiving plenty of praise from Frank Lampard to the midfielder likened to Stokes Joe Allen, we give you the lowdown on the youngsters to watch... Frank Lampard is Chelseas all-time leading goalscorer and has won club footballs top honours - but which young team-mate has caught his eye? 24. Cristian Roldan - Seattle SoundersA combative central midfielder who excels in both boxes, USA U20 international Roldan has drawn praise for his tidy passing play, endurance and tough tackling. Aged 21 and into just the second season of his professional career, hes accumulated 30 appearances in 2016.23. Tommy Redding - Orlando CityLabelled by Orlando Citys former coach Adrian Heath as a potential top, top defender in MLS in July, the 19-year-old centre-back has shown to be more than capable of matching the physicality of the league and is comfortable with passing out from the back. 22. Sean Davis - New York Red BullsThe 23-year-old box-to-box midfielder ranks third in the pecking order of New York Red Bulls midfielders. But recent performances, including an impressive August with two goals and two assists, has put the pressure on Dax McCarty and Felipe to perform. Davis real breakthrough may happen during the play-offs, which start later this month. New York Red Bulls midfielder Sean Davis (R) scored against Chelsea in a 2015 International Champions Cup match 21. Cristian Higuita - Orlando CityConsidered one of best holding midfielders - and ball winners - in Major League Soccer, Higuita is one of the reasons why Kaka can have a free attacking role for Orlando. The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with AC Milan in recent months and is on the fringes of Colombias national team. Orlando Citys tough-tackling Cristian Higuita - seen battling with Chicago Fires Michael de Leeuw - has helped Kaka thrive 20. Matt Polster - Chicago FirePolster was drafted by Chicago in 2015 and finished the season third in the MLS Rookie of the Year award rankings. Despite an injury-hit 2016 campaign and a season where the Fire are struggling, Polster has still shown his strong passing ability and tireless work ethic across midfield.19. Fatai Alashe - San Jose EarthquakesA key central midfielder for San Jose, 22-year-old Alashe has a versatile skillset, which earned him a call up to Jurgen Klinsmanns USA squad in January before withdrawing due to injury. His athletic ability, intelligent passing play and eye for goal makes him a player held in high regard across the league. San Joses Fatai Alashe has caught the eye of USA boss Jurgen Klinsmann 18. Tim Parker - Vancouver WhitecapsJust this season, Parker has worked his way up to becoming a starting centre-back for Vancouver and a member of USA U23s. The imposing defender made 15 appearances in his rookie season in 2015 but this term already has 26 matches under his belt.17. Juan Agudelo - New England RevolutionA former Stoke City striker who didnt make an appearance for the club due to work permit reasons, Agudelo never reached the once expected level as the next big thing in US soccer, but he has still forged an impressive MLS career. Now with seven years of professional experience behind him, Agudelo has enjoyed an end-of-season burst of form, scoring three goals in the last five matches. Juan Agudelo joined Stoke in 2014 but was sent straight out on loan to Utrecht, before moving to MLS. Pic: MLSsoccer.com 16. Jordan Allen - Real Salt LakeA versatile midfielder adept at playing on either wing or centrally, Allen has struggled with injury throughout his short career. But the USA U20 winger has shown glimpses of quality during his time in the league, and could become one of MLSs brightest prospects should he find consistency.15. Justen Glad - Real Salt LakeGlad has started in every position across the defensive line with the only question mark over his physical presence. The 19-year-old currently weights 145 pounds but if he can bulk up, could develop his game yet further.14. Luciano Acosta - D.C. UnitedA loanee from Boca Juniors, Acosta is one of Major League Soccers most technically gifted players. The 22-year-old has three goals and ten assists in 30 appearances from a withdrawn forward position. Little surprise, then, that DC United are reportedly looking to sign the diminutive playmaker permanently. Nigel de Jong of Los Angeles Galaxy pays close attention of D.C. Uniteds Luciano Acosta 13. Ronald Matarrita - New York City FCThe 22-year-old Costa Rica international has slotted nicely into Patrick Vieiras side at left-back, or occasionally on the left wing. His attacking runs from deep makes him a real threat in the final third of the pitch and is proven by his five assists.12. Diego Fagundez - New England RevolutionFagundez has already made 150 appearances in Major League Soccer aged just 21. The Uruguay youth international lacks consistency but has shown over the years his skill, pace and trickery from different attacking positions. Despite his tender age, Fagundez has still been able to score 32 goals and accumulate 23 assists through six professional seasons.11. Walker Zimmerman - FC DallasFC Dallas have been the best team in Major League Soccer so far this season and Zimmerman has starred at centre-back. The 6ft 3 defender is one of the strongest aerial presences in the league, with Whoscored.com ranking him fourth in MLS for aerial duels won this season. Walker Zimmerman of FC Dallas beats Colorado Rapids Kevin Doyle - once of Wolves and Reading - to the ball 10. Lucas Melano - Portland TimbersSpeed and athleticism make Melano a dangerous winger for the MLS Cup champions. His end product can be questionable, but his intelligence on the ball and the timing of his runs make him a frequent threat.9. Jesse Gonzalez - FC DallasGonzalez started the season as the first choice goalkeeper for high fliers Dallas, and is in weekly direct competition for the starters spot with the vastly more experienced Chris Seitz. Aged just 21, Gonzalez is comfortably one of the best young goalkeepers in the league FC Dallas goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez denies Jozy Altidore 8. Carlos Gruezo - FC DallasThe Ecuador international traded Stuttgart for Dallas in January and has shown excellent technical and defensive ability to be considered one of the leagues best young players. The fourth-youngest footballer at the 2014 World Cup, Gruezo looks to be one who slipped under the radar of numerous European clubs.7. Wil Trapp - Columbus CrewA homegrown American holding midfielder with a playing style similar to that of Joe Allen, Trapp has experienced a frustrating season at an underperforming Columbus, but has still shown his eye for a pass and ability to create from deep positions. Highly-rated Columbus Crew midfielder Wil Trapp made his international debut against Chile in January 2015. Pic: MLSsoccer.com 6. Keegan Rosenberry - Philadelphia UnionRosenberry is already an MLS All-Star and was only drafted into the league this year. At right-back, hes played every minute of the season and has impressed in his defensive duties as well as going forward.5. Kekuta Manneh - Vancouver WhitecapsOne of the fastest players in the league and a consistent winner of one-on-one duels, Mannehs finishing ability and decision-making in attacking areas has been criticised at times in the past but when on form, his quality is undeniable. Kekuta Manneh of the Vancouver Whitecaps takes on Montreal Impacts Donny Toia 4. Kellyn Acosta - FC DallasAcosta stands out most from MLSs all-round central midfielders under the age of 24. As well as his shooting, passing and tackling ability, his pace makes him adept at playing out wide if needs be and he always covers plenty of ground. Acosta is already a US international and looks set to have a bright future with the national team.3. Jordan Morris - Seattle SoundersBefore Morris had even set foot in Seattle before the start of this season, the hype in American soccer circles surrounding the 21-year-old was clear to see. The US national team forward was capped while still at college and now leads the Sounders with 12 goals in 30 appearances in just his first professional season. His conversion rate in front of goal could still be improved, but he is undoubtedly one of USA soccers great hopes for the future.2. Jack Harrison - New York CityA former Manchester United academy product who moved to USA aged 14, Harrison has made an instant impact entering MLS as a rookie this season. Notably, he was the first ever player to be drafted into MLS from college in just his freshman year. NYCFC midfielder Jack Harrison just misses out on top spot. Pic: MLSsoccer.com After strings of impressive performances, the winger has been tipped for a bright future by team-mate Lampard. Hes given us an edge on that right wing, Lampard told Empire of Soccer in July. Hes a huge part of the last few performances and hes got a great future because hes so young. Hes got a good head on him so hell go a long way.1. Cyle Larin - Orlando CityThe undisputed No 1 Larin was MLSs Rookie of the Year in 2015 after scoring 17 goals. This season, hes already on 14 goals in 30 appearances. The Canada international is an all-action striker standing tall at 6ft 2in. Top-ranked Cyle Larin in action for Orlando City against Real Salt Lake Larin has reportedly attracted strong interest from Benfica, Sporting Lisbon, Lazio as well as a host of Championship clubs. His link up play with Kaka has been a regular method to goals at Orlando and even Patrick Vieira has spoken of his admiration of the strikers qualities.I like him a lot, Vieira said of Larin. Hes a really mobile, athletic player who can play his back against the goal, who can score goals, hes a really interesting player.Watch MLS on Sky Sports and find the latest news at skysports.com/mlsWatch Englands tour of Bangladesh, plus Premier League football and the Japan Grand Prix on Sky Sports. Upgrade now and enjoy three months at half price! Also See: MLS news MLS features MLS on Sky MLS video MLS fixtures MLS results Adrian Beltre Jersey . Villar connected off Joe Saunders (11-14), sending a drive well over the left-field fence for his first career homer. The Astros scored six times in the first three innings to chase Saunders. Steve Buechele Jersey . With Van Osch out with a flu bug that has been rampaging through the tournament, Knezevic stepped in to lead B.C. (4-3) to a pair of victories on Tuesday before 1,131 at the Maurice Richard Arena. https://www.cheaprangersbaseball.com/322...ey-rangers.html. Although Olivetti, a qualifier, had 13 aces, he failed to force a single break-point chance on Gasquets serve and lost his own three times. Gasquet next plays third-seeded Jerzy Janowicz of Poland, who won had 18 aces in a 6-2, 6-4 win against seventh-seeded Edouard Roger-Vasselin of France. Wei-Chieh Huang Jersey . The Blueshirts hope to stay alive once again when they host the Pittsburgh Penguins in Sundays Game 6 battle at Madison Square Garden. Carlos Beltran Rangers Jersey . - Frankie (The Answer) Edgar dominated B. The Red Wings are forced to look to the future, turnarounds for Malkin and Pacioretty as well as notes on Evander Kane, Phil Kessel, David Perron and more in Scott Cullens latest blog. 1. As the Detroit Red Wings took to the ice for Wednesdays 6-3 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, it was without both Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg for the first time since 2006, a great opportunity for some of the younger Wings forwards -- Gustav Nyquist and Tomas Tatar, most notably -- to take on bigger offensive roles. The Wings started the year with a glut of forwards on their roster, even before they made the late decision to re-sign LW Dan Cleary, and it meant that Nyquist had to start the year in the AHL. Tatar remained in the NHL, because he required waivers to get sent down, but even so, Tatar played only five games in October. As extraneous Red Wings forwards like Patrick Eaves and Jordin Tootoo went by the wayside, there was more opportunity for Tatar and, even though he hasnt played big minutes, hes been productive. After scoring a pair of goals against Philadelphia, Tatar has 11 points in 21 games. Nyquist, who didnt need to clear waivers to get sent down, went to the AHL, where he was already a point-per-game scorer for the past couple seasons, and tallied 22 points in 15 games, further proving that he was ready for NHL duty and, upon being recalled, he joined Henrik Zetterberg and Johan Franzen on Detroits top line. Wednesday, Nyquist was with Franzen and Stephen Weiss and contributed an assist, giving him four goals and six points in seven games since he was recalled, thus prompting the question: Why wasnt he part of Detroits roster from Day One? 2. Early in the season, there was such concern about Penguins C Evgeni Malkin, who had 10 points in his first 13 games. Why wasnt Malkin scoring? Such are the lofty expectations when you are one of four players to have at least three 100-point seasons since 2000-2001. But then, the calendar turned to November and Malkin started piling up assists. The game got a little easier when James Neal, Malkins right winger, returned from an injury suffered prior to the second game of the season. Malkins slow start wasnt simply a reflection of poor play, it was also a function of his quality of linemates. With Neal out, Malkin and left winger Jussi Jokinen skated with the likes of Chuck Kobasew, Beau Bennett, Jason Megna and Matt DAgostini, none of whom can be confused for Neal as a finsher. In any event, Malkin is scoring like an elite player. With 25 points in 15 November games, Malkin was six points ahead of the next highest-scoring player (Chicagos Patrick Kane), and, with 19 points during his current nine-game point streak, Malkin has notched 37 points in 29 games, climbing to within one point of teammate Sidney Crosby for the scoring lead. All this production is despite Malkin registering a career-low 3.0 shots on goal per game with a career-low shooting percentage (8.0%). If, once he returns to the lineup from a lower-body injury, those numbers move towards career norms, Malkin may be in line for another 100-point season. 3. Canadiens LW Max Pacioretty also started the year slowly, with four points in his first 12 games, sandwiched around a two-and-a-half week absence due to a hamstring injury. With 48 goals in the previous two seasons, Pacioretty had established himself as a legitimate scoring threat, one that should have been able to get the Canadiens out of their collective scoring funk. And then he did. Pacioretty scored a hat trick at home against Minnesota on November 19, registering 10 shots on goal in the process, then added a pair a couple of games later against Pittasburgh. Two goals against Toronto Saturday night and another against New Jersey Tuesday night left Pacioretty with eight goals (and an assist) in his last eight games, playing primarily with David Desharnais -- shaken from his own disastrous start -- and Brendan Gallagher. If Pacioretty can keep generating shots like this, a career-high 4.2 per game, he could be in for a big season, even having missed eight games already. At the very least, it should make a team think twice, or three times, before trading him. 4. While were discussing shot-generating scoring wingers that find their way into trade talks, Jets LW Evander Kane has been in an out of that rumour mill for the last couple seasons. Even though Kane has generated a career-best 4.15 shots on goal per game, his shooting percentage is a career-low 6.5% (9.2% for his career) and his on-ice shooting percentage is also 6.5%, which is the lowest among forwards that skate in the Jets top nine. Generally, what should be taken from low percentages is that they should regress closer to Kanes career norms, so he ought to be considered a buy-low opportunity right now, both for fantasy owners and NHL teams that might be looking to pry him out of Winnipeg. Kane is currently out of the lineup with a lower-body injury, which isnt exactly enhancing his value, but doesnt appear to be a long-term issue. 5. Since scoring four points against the Edmonton Oilers October 29, Maple Leafs RW Phil Kessel has seven goals and one assist in 15 games. Kessel has recorded 63 shots on goal in that span (4.2 per game), which is even a little better than his season average of 4.0 shots per game, yet thats still just one assist in the last 15 games for a skilled winger playing more than 19 minutes per game. There have been reports about Kessel nursing a wrist injury and that very well may be part of the problem. If the suggestion is that hes having bad luck, thats probably part of it too, yet Kessel still has the highest on-ice shooting percentage of his career so, like his teammates, was due for some regression. 6. Not surprisingly, after starting the year on Washingtons fourth line, Capitals LW Martin Erat has requested a trade, which isnt the easiest thing to make happen, since he comes with a $4.5-million cap hit and has yet to score a goal in 25 games this season. Erat does have seven assists and has been a middle-of-the-pack possession player for the Capitals, but its been an undeniably poor experience in Washington, precipitous fall for a player who scored between 49 and 58 points eery year from 2003-2004 through 2011-2012. That track record is what gives Erat some appeal to a team that hopes he might be able to help out on their second line.dddddddddddd 7. While were bandying about names that have made their way into the trade rumour mill, Maple Leafs D Jake Gardiner of course found his way into those rumours when he was recently a healthy scratch. This usage doesnt come as a surprise, at least not after last seasons extended stay in the AHL and then stint in the press box before suddenly playing top four minutes in the first-round playoff series against Boston. If the Maple Leafs were to move Gardiner, they had better get a pretty sweet return for the player who posts some of the best possesion stats on a team that posts horrendous possession stats. 8. Oilers LW David Perron has been taking his game to a new level with his new team. Sure, he has nine goals and 13 points in the last 12 games, thats good stuff, but hes also been a strong puck-possesion performer, at least in relative terms, and is averaging 3.64 shots on goal per game, way up from 1.75 last year with the St. Louis Blues (and his 1.95 per game over the course of his career). Hes played alongside a variety of linemates, with Boyd Gordon and Ryan Smyth his most common linemates, and its Perron that is driving play when hes on the ice, giving the Oilers even more than they could have reasonably expected when they traded for him. 9. Not getting carried away with modest production from a mucker who has five goals and seven points in 21 games, but Stars LW Ryan Garbutt is suddenly generating shots like hes more than a bottom-of-the-depth chart grinder. Over the last eight games, playing primarily with Vernon Fiddler and Antoine Roussel, Garbutt has four goals and two assists, with 32 shots on goal. Small sample, and all of that, but 4.0 shots on goal per game is notable, so it will be worth keeping an eye on Garbutt to see if the guy who climbed up from Brown University, through the Central Hockey League, ECHL and AHL before reaching the Stars, has a chance to contribute offensively for more than just a couple of weeks. 10. Capitals RW Eric Fehr has found a spot on the second line with Mikhail Grabovski and Troy Brouwer and, while his playing time has been inconsistent this year, Fehr has the best possession stats among Washington forwards and has six points (2 G, 4 A) in his last seven games. 11. Islanders LW Michael Grabner has gone 18 games without a point, even while playing mostly with Frans Nielsen and Josh Bailey on the second line. He has two goals in 25 games, scoring on an absurd 3.8% of his shots, but the lack of production isnt all bad luck -- hes generating a career-low 2.12 shots on goal per game. 12. Hurricanes LW Jeff Skinner had a three-point game at Washington Tuesday, a bit of a breakout performance while skating with Tuomo Ruutu and Eric Staal on Carolinas top line. Prior to that game, Skinner had two points and 11 shots on goal in the previous six games since coming off the injured list. Considering how much Eric Staals line has struggled this year, its probably worth checking out to see if Skinner can fit in that role. 13. Blue Jackets G Sergei Bobrovsky is out for more than a month with a groin strain, leaving Curtis McElhinney to man the crease. McElhinney has been great this season, with a .925 save percentage in eight appearances, and he was good in the AHL last season (.923 SV% in 49 GP with Springfield), but he has never played more than 28 games in an NHL season and has a save percentage of .902 in 77 career games, numbers that will not stack up well if McElhinney is making the next dozen or more starts for Columbus. FIRST NHL GAMES Alex Grant, D, Anaheim - The 24-year-old was acquired from Pittsburgh in the summer for Harrison Zolnierczyk and has 74 points ni 144 career AHL games. He scored a goal in his NHL debut, at San Jose on November 30. John Albert, C, Winnipeg - A sixth-round pick for Atlanta in 2007, Albert played four years at Ohio State, scoring 103 points in 118 games over his last three seasons, and has 40 points in 111 AHL games since. He played a modest 8:29 in his first NHL game with Anthony Peluso and James Wright on the fourth line, but scored on a breakaway. Erik Haula, LW, Minnesota - Drafted in the seventh round in 2009, Haula had 100 points in 80 games during his last two seasons at the University of Minnesota. He has a dozen points in 24 AHL games since and has been fitting in a depth role for the Wild over the last three games. Kevan Miller, D, Boston - Undrafted stay-at-home defenceman who played at the University of Vermont was an injury fill-in for three games and held his own, enough that hell be on call when injuries hit the defence again. Zach Sill, LW, Pittsburgh - A late bloomer who was undrafted and only played in the QMJHL as a 19-and-20-year-old, Sill isnt a big scorer, with 72 points in 273 AHL games, but that kind of experience makes him useful in limited fourth-line minutes. Connor Murphy, D, Phoenix - The 6-foot-5 blueliner was a first-round pick in 2011, Mruphy has ascended quickly, limited to 68 games over two OHL seasons due to injury, then getting the call after a dozen games in the American Hockey League. He scored in his NHL debut, playing more than 22 minutes, but has been working on the third pair since. Nikita Kucherov, RW, Tampa Bay - Taken in the second round in 2011, Kucherov scored 63 points in 33 QMJHL games last season, then opened his first pro campaign with 13 goals and 24 points in 17 games. Hes a skilled forward and, upon being called up, was put on a line with Teddy Purcell and Alex Killorn. Kucherov hasnt scored since lighting the lamp in his debut but, with 11 shots on goal in four games, hes generating opportunities. Reid Boucher, LW, New Jersey - Picked in the fourth round in 2011, Boucher has a heavy shot and scord 62 goals in 68 games for Sarnia of the OHL last season, then got off to a quick start in the AHL this year, with 10 goals and 18 points in 21 games. Making his debut against Montreal Wednesday, Boucher had an assist and scored in the shootout. With injuries in New Jersey, there is an opportunity for Boucher to earn regular time in a scoring role. Scott Cullen can be reached at Scott.Cullen@bellmedia.ca and followed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/tsnscottcullen. For more, check out TSN Fantasy on Facebook. ' ' '