An ever-improving nation in the world of football, USA continue to produce a high number of talented footballers, many of which are currently plying their trade in Europe. Below we take a look at the best young American players in FIFA 23…
Best American Wonderkids in FIFA 23
10. Serge Ngoma (New York Red Bulls: RW, ST)
You’ll do well to find anyone on FIFA 23 capable of matching 16-year-old Serge Ngoma stride for stride in a foot race. With 90 acceleration and 90 sprint speed the teenager is, simply put, absolutely rapid. Standing no taller than 5 ft 7 inches, Ngoma has a ridiculously low centre of gravity and with 87 agility he’s perfectly built to glide past defenders. Still only 16, the New York Red Bulls forward is incredibly raw, which is reflected with an overall rating of 58. Crossing, finishing, passing and composure are all less than 50, but with a potential rating of 82 big things are expected.
9. Justin Che (TSG Hoffenheim: RWB, CB, RB)
A right wing back, also capable of playing centre back, Justin Che is one of two defenders to make the list of best young American players in FIFA 23. Rated 66 overall, but with a potential of 82, the 18-year-old is expected to improve considerably over the next few years.
Currently on loan at Hoffenheim, who have an option to buy the teenager next summer, Che enjoys getting forward where he’s able to utilise 61 dribbling and 61 crossing. Defensively he’s sound too, which can’t be said for most modern day full backs, with 66 standing tackles and 60 sliding tackles. Defensive awareness does need some work though, which should come with experience.
8. Cade Cowell (San Jose Earthquakes: LM, ST, RM)
San Jose Earthquakes’ Cade Cowell is your typical American winger, in that he’s versatile, hardworking and blessed with pace, bags of it! Rated 67 overall, with a potential of 82 in FIFA 23, Cowell is predominantly right footed but can play on either wing, as well as through the middle as an out-and-out striker.
An efficient ball carrier with 70 dribbling and 68 ball control Cowell can turn defence into attack in the blink of an eye. 89 sprint speed and 87 acceleration means he has the ability to beat most opponents in a foot race.
7. Joseph Scally (Borussia Monchengladbach: RB, LB)
After just four appearances for boyhood club New York City FC full back Joseph Scally was snapped up by German side Borussia Monchengladbach in 2021. The 19-year-old fast became a first team regular and, following a number of impressive displays in the Bundesliga, earned himself a senior debut for the United States earlier this year.
Effective at both ends of the pitch Scally has 71 crossing and 71 dribbling allowing him to provide a threat in the final third. Defensively he’s solid and enjoys putting himself about with 73 standing tackles and 72 sliding tackles. Overall the teenager’s rated 72 on FIFA 23 with a potential of 82, and whilst he’s nowhere near the finished article just yet he’s already showing promise.
6. Ricardo Pepi (FC Groningen: ST)
An out-and-out striker with 73 finishing and 67 composure, 19-year-old Ricardo Pepi is currently on loan at FC Groningen where he’s bagging goals for fun. Standing 6 ft 1 inch tall, with 72 sprint speed, Pepi is by no means the quickest, but already has outstanding footballing IQ for his age with 72 positioning. Rated 69 overall with a potential of 83 in FIFA 23, the striker has 12 senior international caps to his name and currently averages a goal every four games for the United States.
5. Malik Tillman (Rangers: CAM, LM, ST)
Born and raised in Germany to an American father and German mother, Malik Tillman represented both countries at youth level before finally settling on the USA. A goal scoring midfielder, who’s previously compared himself to Paul Pogba, the 20-year-old is rated 67 overall with a potential of 84.
He is most effective in the advanced playmaker role where he can make late bursts into the box with 84 sprint speed and 82 acceleration. Currently on loan at Rangers from German giants Bayern Munich, Tillman is by no means the finished article with finishing, short passing and vision all below 70, but with more game time he has the potential to become a real star in world football.
4. Yunus Musah (Valencia: RM, CM, CDM)
The United States are well known for producing hard working, intelligent, technically gifted midfielders and in 19-year-old Yunus Musah they look to have another on their hands. A first team regular at Valencia, Musah is closing in on one hundred senior career appearances, with his versatility being a key factor in the amount of game time amassed at such a young age.
Primarily deployed as a central midfielder, the teenager is also capable of playing on the wing where he’s able to utilise 87 sprint speed and 83 acceleration. On the ball he’s tidy with 77 dribbling, 76 ball control and 75 short passing. Rated 74 overall, only one other player on the list is currently rated higher, which illustrates just how talented this kid is.
3. Caden Clark (New York Red Bulls: CAM, CM, LW)
Big things continue to be expected of 19-year-old Caden Clark. The creative midfielder is now rated 67 overall – up one from 66 last year – with a potential of 84 and once again finds himself on loan at New York Red Bulls after signing for German sister club RB Leipzig back in 2021.
Typically deployed as a central attacking midfielder, but also capable of playing slightly deeper or even on the wing, Clark has 72 short passing and can unlock defences with precise through balls. He’s also an efficient ball carrier capable of breaking the lines with 80 acceleration, 78 sprint speed and 70 dribbling. Off the ball he grafts too, and has the stamina to play the box to box role, though his defensive work needs some improvement.
2. Gianluca Busio (Venezia FC: CM, CDM)
A midfielder who enjoys playing in the ‘hole’ where he can get on the ball and dictate play from deep, Gianluca Busio is one of the USA’s most technically gifted youngsters. Rated 73 overall, with a potential of 86, Busio flourishes in the quarter-back role where he can showcase his extensive range of passing.
The Venezia midfielder has the technical ability and footballing IQ to carve defences open with 78 short passing, 72 long passing and 73 vision. Given time and space, the 20-year-old is also happy to carry the ball forward with 92 balance, 72 dribbling and 74 ball control.
1. Giovanni Reyna (Borussia Dortmund: CAM, LM, RM)
Once again Borussia Dortmund’s Giovanni Reyna is USA’s best young talent in FIFA 23. Still rated 77 overall, but with a slightly lower potential rating of 86, down from 87 last year, Reyna suffered a number of injuries which resulted in him missing the majority of the 2021/22 season. Back to full fitness, the 19-year-old will be looking to re-cement his place in the Dortmund starting eleven ahead of what should be his maiden World Cup for the Stars and Stripes.
A versatile attacking midfielder, capable of playing on either wing or through the middle, Reyna is an efficient ball carrier with 85 dribbling, 84 agility and 79 ball control. He has end product too with 79 short passing and 78 vision.
