Eight Exciting Players from MLS NEXT Flex 2025

This year's edition of MLS NEXT Flex was an enthralling one. With 232 teams and over 2,000 players from across the nation, there was a lot of exciting talent to watch for, and one could expect nothing less than fast-paced, end-to-end, free-flowing soccer.    Ozar is a versatile defender capable of performing solidly as a right-back, left-back, or center-back. He is smart and calm, with a deep understanding of the game. He knows when to step up, tackle, dribble, create space, and make a pass. While he has an aggressive side, he excels at timing his tackles, avoiding missteps, and recognizing when it's best to take on opponents.   Always aware of his surroundings, Ozar plays with his head up, scanning the field and checking over his shoulder. In one-on-one situations, Ozar is formidable, using his speed and physicality to beat opposing players off the ball.   On the ball, Ozar is tidy and confident, never rushing his play and maintaining close control. His exceptional passing and distribution skills enable him to switch the field effectively, execute split passes, slip the ball through defensive lines, or send long balls over the top. Ozar is a well-rounded and hard-working player, distinguished by his balanced style of play and strong mentality.     A fast and tidy winger, Byer is a very effective forward. Excellent with the ball at his feet, he skillfully dribbles past defenders with his close control and impressive skills, with a subtle drop of the shoulder or a quick step-over. Having an aggressive approach, he is a workhorse, constantly chasing down balls, making forwards runs, or battling for the ball on the ground or in the air. He finishing is one of power, finesse, and lethality, as he picks out the corners or simply smashes it past the goalkeeper. Byer is a clinical attacker and a constant threat for any opposition defense on and off the ball.     A solid and reliable defender, Diebolt proves to be an obstacle for any attack coming up against him. Playing as a center-back but more often as a left-back, he is fast, strong, tall, and aggressive. He uses his pace to win the ball and chase down opponents. With his physicality, he can hold off players and sometimes even overpowers the opposition. His aggressive nature ensures that he is the first to every ball. Additionally, he is not only a strong player physically but also technically proficient, delivering accurate passes, distributing the ball effectively, and maintaining good ball control. He remains aware and vigilant on the field, timing his tackles effectively. Diebolt makes it his mission to make sure no one gets the better of him or his defense, giving it his all every time he steps onto the pitch.     Having spent time in PSG's youth set-up in Canada, being the son of a former Liberia head coach, and having been called into Canada's U16 selection, Keita brings a lot of quality and experience. Tall, agile, and quick, he is a shot-stopping machine. With impressive reaction abilities, he quickly comes off his line to make close shot saves. Possessing cat-like reflexes, he adeptly gets down to make last-ditch efforts. Keita is vocal and consistently provides support to his backline. He is comfortable on the ball, taking as many touches as necessary and always looking for the best option. With great range, his distribution is immaculate. Keita is a wall in goal, providing stability, confidence, and support to his side.     Oliver "Oli" Wagner is a natural forward. He is fast, chasing down both players and balls with determination. Patiently, he waits to receive a pass or positions himself around the penalty box, ready for the perfect opportunity to strike. When he finds or creates a goalscoring chance, he finishes with ease and class, making the most of those opportunities. He can also play in midfield, where he effectively drops back to support both the defense and the offense. Constantly on the move and aware of his teammates, he is always looking to be involved in the play, often serving as a key factor in his team creating chances and scoring goals. Wagner is a confident player who goes about his job with the utmost diligence.     Munson is a versatile defender, able to play anywhere in the backline. Having spent time in FC Dallas's youth academy, he brings experience and quality. He is a tidy and technical player who excels at delivering perfectly weighted passes to his teammates and controlling the ball exceptionally well. His speed allows him to read the game effectively, and he times his tackles precisely, knowing when to step in and how to anticipate opponents' movements. Calm on the ball, he consistently looks for the best option and rarely forces plays.   When playing on the flanks, Munson effectively carries the ball up the field, providing support to the midfield and attack. He keeps his gameplay simple by making short passes or calmly switching the field when necessary. Munson is a reliable and versatile; you know exactly what you're going to get form him: at least 7 out of 10 performances consistently.     Center-midfielder, center attacking-midfielder, left-winger, striker, or right-winger; versatility is an understatement for Carrera. Constantly moving on and off the ball, he poses a threat at all times and in any position on the field. An excellent manipulator of the ball, every pass he makes finds its target, and he often glides effortlessly through opposition players while keeping the ball close. Light and quick on his feet, he can easily beat his marker with a subtle feint or a quick pass. He consistently looks to advance the ball up the field, dribbling with speed and purpose.   Always playing with his head up and scanning the field, Carrera's great technical abilities allow him to effectively switch the play. With reliable finishing, he strikes the ball well from almost anywhere. Carrera is a key player for his team, often providing a creative and electric spark whenever he is on the field.     A USA U17 international, a former Barca Academy and Phoenix Rising player, having completed a short training stint at La Masia, and a current North Texas SC player, Kaakoush is not short of quality, experience, and potential. A creative midfielder, he is electric when on the field. Constantly moving and always looking to be involved and on the ball, he is a constant threat for opposing teams. Quick and tidy, he can turn on a dime. His close and exceptional ball control allow him easily maneuver his way through opposition players. Kaakoush brings that flair and energy into the game, and knows how to come up with both goals and assists on a consistent basis.

This year's edition of MLS NEXT Flex was an enthralling one. With 232 teams and over 2,000 players from across the nation, there was a lot of exciting talent to watch for, and one could expect nothing less than fast-paced, end-to-end, free-flowing soccer.