Most Improved U21 midfielders in Major League Soccer 2026
The most improved U21 midfielders in Major League Soccer in 2026, ranked on Field Insider.
At a glance
A. Mehmeti of New York Red Bulls is the standout for raw talent across U21 midfielders in Major League Soccer, with a Field Insider Rating of 53.4, and Cavan Sullivan leads the scoring with 6 goals.
The numbers a scout watches are the year-on-year jumps: R. Donkor has improved his Season rating most, up +30.9 on last season, while H. Synchuk's scouting Rating has risen fastest, +10.8 over the same span. Those are the players whose trajectory is bending upward fastest.
By our market-value index, N. Tsakiris of San Jose Earthquakes is the most valuable name in this group at 13.5.
Best talent
A. Mehmeti53.4RTG
New York Red Bulls
In form
A. Mehmeti46.7SsN
New York Red Bulls
Rising potential
H. Synchuk+10.8RTG
CF Montreal · 24/25→25/26
Most improved
R. Donkor+30.9SsN
New York Red Bulls · 24/25→25/26
Top scorer
Cavan Sullivan6goals
Philadelphia Union
Most valuable
N. Tsakiris13.5val
San Jose Earthquakes
5 players · ranked by most improvedCustomise →
| Player | Team | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | R. DonkorCentral midfielder |  New York Red Bulls | 21 | +30.9 24/25→25/26 | 38137.3% | 4817.8% |
| 2 | B. RainesCentral midfielder |  New England Revolution | 21 | +29 24/25→25/26 | 32164.7% | 4713.4% |
| 3 | G. ValenzuelaCentral midfielder |  FC Cincinnati | 21 | +20.8 24/25→25/26 | 31101.3% | 457.2% |
| 4 | H. SynchukCentral midfielder |  CF Montreal | 20 | +15.1 24/25→25/26 | 21324% | 424.5% |
| 5 | N. TsakirisAttacking midfielder |  San Jose Earthquakes | 21 | +14.9 24/25→25/26 | 28386.2% | 4718.4% |