Five MLS wonderkids Borussia Dortmund should monitor
By Eli Brand
Obed Vargas
A defensively solid midfielder at just 17, Obed Vargas has been elite at youth level playing against older competition at the U-20 World Cup. Making his professional debut at just 16, Vargas impressed but suffered a setback due to a back injury. Now having fully recovered and continuing to impress at the senior level, Vargas has plenty of time to fulfil his potential.
Obed Vargas is averaging 3.4 tackles and interceptions per game, a good amount for a defensive midfielder. His ability to retain possession is elite, and he completes 86.8% of his passes, as well as 92% of short and medium passes. This should give him room to be more incisive as he matures.
Vargas additionally is above average at touches inside the box for a midfielder. However, he has low expected goals and assists numbers. This could be down to his lack of experience and inability to hold off more physically mature players. As Vargas adjusts to senior football, this should improve as he is still very young.
Vargas is certainly worth keeping eyes on as he continues to show his potential and matures further. His current contract expires in December 2025 and while he is likely a few years away from reaching his potential, he is worth monitoring for a club like Borussia Dortmund and could be ready for a move to a better league sooner rather than later.