An expert's opinion on Atlanta United's top academy prospects
We sit down with Marcus Chairez of U.S. Soccer Collective to learn about Atlanta's emerging crop of highly rated prospects.
With the first-team dead last in MLS, it may seem like Atlanta United’s future is as grim as its present. Well, finally there’s some good news for you. The club’s youth development is producing top talent that is getting national recognition.
Last week, U.S. Soccer Collective, an American soccer scouting and consulting organization, released its annual list of top 50 prospects for the U.S. Men’s National Team. The Five Stripes’ academy had three players appear on the list. The only MLS club with more representatives was the Philadelphia Union with four.
We don’t focus a ton on the youth side of things here, for the simple fact that MLS development is so volatile, with many players never reaching the first-team and instead opting to leave for Europe. However, we do like to check in from time to time when there are things worth spotlighting.
Instead of giving you our half-baked perspective on this side of the club, we thought it best to talk to the person who released the list to give you some real insight into the Atlanta United players featured on it.
Q&A with Marcus Chairez
Five Stripe Final: Hi, Marcus. Thanks for taking the time to share your insight with our readers. Can you give us a little info about who you are and what you do?
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