The 2009 class remains the most talented in the U.S. youth pool, combining elite, blue-chip prospects with strong depth across nearly every position. It features the top two overall USMNT prospects in Cavan Sullivan and Mathis Albert, along with a deep group of high-upside players that could push the class even higher.

This is the deepest winger class I’ve studied in years—an encouraging development given the senior team’s needs. It’s also a very strong goalkeeper group and features quality full-backs on both sides. Defensive midfield is the only position lacking in depth, but overall positional coverage is excellent. A few players lost five-star status and no new ones have emerged yet, but several are trending upward and could get there.

The European-based contingent could further elevate the group. Gustavo Borges (Frankfurt), Ethan Degny (Nice), and Kairo Smith-Phillips (Crystal Palace) have all impressed in flashes, and German-American keeper Philipp Eckle also looks promising. With more evaluation, several of these players could break into the top 20 and add to the class’s already impressive profile.

This class continues to set the standard for the post-COVID era—and it still has room to grow.