MLS: 3 players who could follow in Alphonso Davies’ footsteps
2. Paxton Pomykal
The MLS level is significantly below a top-five European league. It is far more comparable to the Championship in England or a much-lesser top-flight European league like Poland or Romania. Nevertheless, no matter the level, playing regularly as a teenager is proof of your quality, as Davies illustrated.
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His breakthrough season came at 17 for the Vancouver Whitecaps. FC Dallas’ Paxton Pomykal was a little older last season, turning 19 just three months before the start of the season, but he was a regular fixture in the heart of the Dallas midfield and performed excellently throughout the season, showing his comfort to compete at the senior level.
Per FBREF, Pomykal maintained an 83.9% pass completion rate, created 1.63 chances per 90, played 3.88 passes into the final third per 90, 1.48 passes into the penalty area per 90, 5.55 progressive passes per 90. He also averaged 3.3 tackles per 90, 25.6 pressures per 90, and 0.96 interceptions per 90. He was a true two-way central midfielder.
Dallas have now built the midfield around Pomykal and expect the young American to venture to Europe sometime soon. They have a rich history of developing excellent young players, including fellow midfielder Weston McKennie. Do not be surprised to see Pomykal make the trip across the pond in the near future.