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Six Pack: Liel Abada, Diego Gomez and top MLS players to watch in the Paris Olympics

There are 15 total players across Major League Soccer, and one from their developmental league MLS NEXT Pro, headed to Paris on official Olympic U23 rosters. Four others, labeled as alternates, could appear, too.

As the the hype for the tournament grows, GOAL takes a look at who is competing in the Games, and ranks the top six MLS players that fans should keep their eyes on in Paris.

  • Michael Boxall MNUFC 2024USA Today Images

    6Michael Boxall: Minnesota United / New Zealand

    Boxall has been a stalwart for Minnesota United for years, and will lead his country as an overage player and captain at the 2024 Games. Paired with the U.S. in the Group Stage, the 35-year-old will be a formidable foe for any attacker.

    A massive presence on their defense, Boxall will look to lead New Zealand out of the Group Stage, while pulling off an upset against the likes of France or the USMNT.

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  • Federico Redondo Inter Miami 2024Getty Images

    5Federico Redondo: Inter Miami / Argentina

    He's Inter Miami's newest superstar, though Redondo has missed some time during the first half of the MLS campaign due to injury. There are high expectations for Redondo to succeed in Paris. Expected to be a starting midfielder for Argentina, he will link their attack and midfield in a dynamic role in the center of the pitch.

    Ex-Atlanta United star Thiago Almada will also feature on the roster alongside him.

  • Miles Robinson USMNT 2023Getty Images

    4Miles Robinson: FC Cincinnati / U.S.

    An overage player for the USMNT this Olympic Games, Robinson - when healthy - has been looked at as one of the best defenders in the U.S. pool. A regular with the senior-team, the FC Cincinnati star is widely regarded as the best central defender in MLS - and there are high expectations for him this summer.

    From leadership on the pitch to locking-down the backline, Robinson has a heavy burden on his shoulders. With his experience, though, he should be up for the task.

  • Caleb Wiley of United StatesIMAGO / Just pictures

    3Caleb Wiley: Atlanta United / U.S.

    One of the brightest fullbacks to ever come through MLS, Wiley is the league's next big European export. Expected to be completing a summer move to Premier League side Chelsea this summer, the Atlanta United left back is as talented as they come.

    A dynamic attacking fullback, he also brings a sense of composure when he's on the ball. The U.S. will look to Wiley on both ends of the pitch come Paris, while Blues fans across the world look for a glimpse at their next young American star.

  • Liel Abada-u23-israel-charlotte-20240703(C)Getty Images

    2Liel Abada: Charlotte FC / Israel

    Abada is Charlotte FC's crown jewel, and one of MLS' booming prospects. He recently netted he second of three goals in CLT FC's stunning upset over FC Cincinnati, and postgame, he shared how he's excited to transition to representing his native Israel in Paris this summer.

    “It’s really big I think for me. It's a dream, you know,” said Abada. “When you start playing football, you dream to play in the national team. I’m really (looking forward) to play in the Olympics. For the country as well. It's something big, something historic for Israel, especially in this time and we are really waiting for this Olympics.”

  • Diego gomez Inter Miami 2024USA Today Images

    1Diego Gomez: Inter Miami / Paraguay

    One of the brightest young stars in all of MLS, Gomez is the key to Paraguay succeeding in Paris this Summer. He led them all throughout qualification, and will be heavily looked at as the reason they could be a dark horse this summer.

    A flourishing winger for Inter Miami in MLS, he's now been touted to complete a club-record $18m transfer to English Premier League side Brighton come the winter transfer window.