Who's the most exciting teenager to watch in Major League Soccer?
For MLS Season Pass analyst Taylor Twellman, there's a simple answer: New England Revolution homegrown winger Esmir Bajraktarevic.
The 19-year-old US international helps lead New England's youth movement alongside Noel Buck, an England U-19 international midfielder linked with Premier League interest.
"If you asked me this last year, I would have said Noel Buck in New England," Twellman said on _This is MLS_. "And yet it's Esmir Bajraktarevic who has every scout in Germany, and particularly in those mid-table teams around the world, salivating. Do not be shocked this summer if he's getting $5 million-plus offers … because this kid can play."
Bajraktarevic developed with New England's MLS NEXT Pro affiliate before getting more first-team opportunities. Now, he starts alongside the 2021 Landon Donovan MLS MVP and is in contention to feature at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
"He's quicker and faster than people thought," Twellman said. "He's got the ability to be creative. But he's also taking on the information of playing next to Carles Gil."
On this trajectory, Twellman said New England's coaching staff and front office might have a decision to make – potentially as early as this summer.
"Esmir Bajraktarevic has surprised a lot of people in MLS, but namely Caleb Porter," Twellman said. "He said on tape he thought one thing. In person, he sees another.
"They are already taking phone calls of real money and real interest. Keep an eye on him this summer. I think we're going to be talking about a big transfer."
