Kevin Paredes: 2023 US Soccer Young Player Finalist

 Kevin Paredes: 2023 US Soccer Young Player Finalist

02 December 2023, North Rhine-Westphalia, Bochum: Soccer: Bundesliga, VfL Bochum - VfL Wolfsburg, Matchday 13, Vonovia Ruhrstadion: Wolfsburg's Kevin Paredes grimaces. Photo: David Inderlied/dpa - IMPORTANT NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the DFL German Football League and the DFB German Football Association, it is prohibited to utilize or have utilized photographs taken in the stadium and/or of the match in the form of sequential images and/or video-like photo series.(Image-Getty)

Having made a significant impact throughout the U.S. Under-20 Men’s Youth National Team cycle, 20-year-old forward Kevin Paredes has earned a well-deserved spot as a finalist for the 2023 Chipotle U.S. Soccer Young Male Player of the Year. Fans now have the chance to cast their votes, accounting for 15% of the total vote, as nominees for all awards are meticulously selected by U.S. Soccer’s technical staff. Voting is open from Monday, Dec. 11, to Monday, Dec. 18, with the winners to be announced in the weeks following.

Let’s delve into the standout moments from Paredes’ remarkable journey in 2023:

1. U-20 Men’s Youth National Team (MYNT) Cycle:

   - Featured in eight appearances, showcasing his prowess with two goals and three assists.

2. 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup:

   - Played a pivotal role in the knockout rounds, leaving a mark with appearances in both matches.

   - Notably scored and provided an assist against England on March 25 during the World Cup preparations.

3. Bundesliga Breakthrough with Wolfsburg:

   - After making his Bundesliga debut in fall 2022, consistently contributed as a substitute for Wolfsburg in the 2022-23 season.

   - Featured in 15 appearances during the spring, registering one goal and three assists.

4. Fall 2023 Bundesliga Performances:

   - Continued his impactful run with Wolfsburg, playing in 12 league games and scoring the crucial go-ahead goal in a 2-2 draw against Werder Bremen on Nov. 5.

5. Senior USMNT Debut:

   - Earned his first senior USMNT call-up in September and made his full international debut against Oman on Sept. 13 in St. Paul, Minn.

   - Maintained his presence in the full team for the October window and November’s Concacaf Nations League Quarterfinals.

   - Achieved his first start in the CNL quarters against Trinidad and Tobago in Austin on Nov. 17.

Kevin Paredes’ impactful performances, both on the international stage and in the Bundesliga, position him as a deserving finalist for the prestigious U.S. Soccer Young Male Player of the Year award.