Midfielders to know from the 2026 National Rankings 

Evan Lim Evan Lim M #20 Nation NY is enjoying a heck of a season that recently included a call-up to the US Youth National Team. The midfielder from New York City FC Academy was outstanding for the club's U17 team during the Generation Adidas Cup. He showed off his high level two-way play in the midfield. Silky smooth on the ball, Lim already looks like a dominant force at the youth level of the game. The goal he scored against Seattle Sounders in the highlight clip below is a good example of the quality he brings on both sides of the field. The play starts with a defensive action and ends with him volleying home a goal. Lim is a player who is going to catch the attention of scouts from every level of the game due to his intelligence and skill. He looks ready to be challenged at a higher level in the near future. 

Phan is a midfielder on the LA Galaxy U17 MLS Next team. He is also part of the U.S. U16 Men's Youth National Team. Phan has been a regular call-up to the Talent ID events for US Soccer in Southern California in the past. He is enjoying a stellar campaign at the MLS Next level while playing up an age group. His game is built on getting the ball off his feet quickly. He is normally a one or two-touch type of player. He shines in that regard because he is constantly thinking a play or two ahead. There is a quote out there about his game from a club coach that describes him as a “time-giver”, which is a brilliant way to describe what his game. He is exceptional at taking the least amount of time on the ball while still making the correct pass thus giving his teammates more time to be successful. Phan's quick-thinking and accurate passing makes him one of the best midfielders in this class. 

Lacher is listed as a midfielder, but he is a versatile player who could play a number of positions. His best moments this season have been on the left wing when he cuts inside on his right and goes on slaloming runs through the opposition thanks to his close control, good body balance, and elusiveness while dribbling. Lacher earned minutes with NYCFC II, which shows how highly rated he is within the club. He has looked the part in those minutes against the professional players. His dynamic burst with his first step has translated to that level and he is still a difficult winger to contain. He can slot inside as an attacking midfielder or play as a wide midfielder thanks to his high work rate. The NYCFC prospect has an extremely bright future. 

Koutsos is a midfielder on the Atlanta United MLS Next U17 team. He is a 2007 in the 2026 class. He is one of the better attacking midfielders in this group. He has elite attacking instincts and a poacher's mentality around the goal. He is right footed, has a good first touch, and excellent vision. Koutsos offers a player profile that could develop into a dominant playmaker at the next level. He can feature as a No. 8 or as a No. 10. He has shown the quality to be impactful player in either role at the youth level. He needs to improve his speed of play and eliminate wasted touches to get into that role at the professional level. He has the work ethic to do it, and there is every reason to believe he has among the most potential in this class. 

Nielson is similar to Lacher in playing style. He is listed as a midfielder, but it's often that you seem him play as a winger. He likes to play on the left side and use his right foot to cut inside. He is an exciting dribbler who plays with quite a bit of flair on the field. He is right footed, but he is comfortable on his left too. His skills on the futsal court translate well to the field. His body feints, shiftiness, and quick feet make him a difficult mark in 1v1 situations. Nielson has been lighting up Northern California with his play this season and should be a top player during the summer showcase events.