Ranking the top 10 rising teenagers in MLS
By Michael Rice
2. Jayden Nelson (Toronto FC)
As Toronto splashed the cash to bring in Italian stars Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi, it looked like the young winger would lose his chances on the field. But Nelson has shown great flexibility and become a key part of the attack.
The Canadian attacking midfielder has become part of a three-man attack behind a center forward alongside the highly decorated Italian Internationals.
Nelson has great pace which caused fullbacks constant issues earlier in the season. Since July, and the arrivals of Insigne and Bernardeschi, he has moved into a more central position and flexed other parts of his game. His link-up play has been impressive and his composure on the ball under pressure in tight spaces.
His final ball at times requires some further development, he has one goal and two assists this season which is something he will look to improve upon significantly next year.
While he has had some brief inclusions with the Canadian National Team, he will look to use 2023 as the chance to push himself into the picture after the World Cup when changes will likely be made.
Nelson has his sights set on playing in a top-five league in Europe and has started to show he has the potential to be a key player for Canada in the future.