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2023 has been an eventful year for Alyssa Thompson. The 19-year-old grabbed the attention of the soccer world by being the No. 1 pick in the NWSL Draft, joining Angel City FC. Also, she cemented her position in the USWNT before that and showcased her electrifying skills at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. These incredible achievements resulted in Thompson receiving a nomination for the prestigious Young Female Player of the Year award. Now, a renowned figure from the soccer world has claimed that the young star should indeed win the award.

Undoubtedly, Thompson’s soccer journey is an inspiration to young athletes across the seas. However, is she the only one deserving of the accolade?

Who deserves the USWNT’s Young Female POTY Award?

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Former American forward Hercules Gomez sat down with Sebastian Salazar to discuss the recent happenings in the soccer world. During their conversation, Salazar asked who Gomez would choose for the 2023 U.S. Soccer Young Female POTY Award. Without any hesitance, the retired player took the name Thompson. He said, “This is a fairly easy one for me. It’s Alyssa Thompson and listen Alyssa Thompson is 18-years-old and this year she started 13 games.”

He added, “You know Angel City scored four goals, and I actually was there the day she debuted for America and you can just see it instantly. There’s a difference about her. There’s a different gear physically. She’s ahead, she’s got that X Factor.” One of the most distinguished qualities that Gomez found in the surging star was that she was way too comfortable on the field.

Even though the other nominees, Onyeka Gamero, Savannah King, Olivia Moultrie, and Ally Sentnor, are all brilliant young talents, Gomez believes that it’s just Thompson who perfectly fits as the best. Furthermore, he praised her for standing out from the rest as a “difference-maker.” Interestingly, like most years, this year too, we have some brilliant players nominated in different categories.

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The US Soccer Awards are just around the corner and here are the major categories

When it comes to the U.S. Soccer Awards, there are four major categories for players. This includes an award for the best senior player for both men’s and women’s teams and a young player award for both men and women. Interestingly, this year they have introduced a voting system to finalize the Match of the Year, where five matches are considered.

READ MORE: “Let’s F-ing Go” – Serena Williams’ $100 Million Soccer Club Picks USWNT Starlet Alyssa Thompson as 1st Pick in NWSL Draft Sending Fans Into a Frenzy

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However, this year’s nominations for Player of the Year were not accepted by fans with open arms as Trinity Rodman was absent from the list. Even though the USWNT was eliminated from the World Cup run after locking horns against Sweden in the Round of 16, many believe that Rodman did her job perfectly. The players who received nominations in this category are Crystal Dunn, Emily Fox, Naomi Girma, Lindsey Horan, and Sophia Smith. Who do you think will win among them? Let us know in the comments below.

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