As Alex Freeman eyes Europe, he can trust Orlando City's patience | OneFootball

If Orlando City right-back Alex Freeman continues on his current trajectory, his career could quite literally have no ceiling.

Having spent three productive seasons with Orlando City B in MLS Next Pro, the 20-year-old made his full debut for the senior side in March. It only took him 35 minutes to score his first Lions goal, and he hasn't looked back since.

Another three goals and an assist helped Orlando to an unusually hot start to an MLS season, before he received his maiden USMNT call-up for the Concacaf Gold Cup this summer.

Freeman started every game for Mauricio Pochettino's side as they reached the showpiece final in Houston, Texas, ultimately losing out on the title once again to continental rivals Mexico.

The full-back displayed glimpses of his potential throughout the tournament, but was deployed by Pochettino as a right center-back and sometimes struggled as a result.

Returning to Orlando for the side's 1-1 tie at home to CF Montréal on Saturday and its 2-1 defeat to New York City FC on Wednesday, Freeman is now looking ahead to yet another major milestone in his short career so far. In June, he was voted as the league's hottest right back and will represent MLS All-Stars against Liga MX's best next week.

Thanks to his eye-catching start to the campaign, Freeman will be suiting up alongside Lionel Messi in just a few days. Imagine telling him that just a few months ago.

Of course, such form hasn't gone unnoticed among potential suitors in Europe. Journalist Tom Bogert reported on Tuesday that "two more clubs" had tabled bids for Freeman, after Orlando rejected a $2 million offer from Serie A side Parma in May.

Timing is everything

Bogert insisted that Orlando intends to keep hold of its prized asset, and that contract extension talks are ongoing.

For now, that's the right call. Even though a move to Europe may be tempting at such an early stage in his career, Freeman is not ready to take on the world just yet.

The youngster's next move could make or break his career. Stay with Orlando for now, and you will be awarded ample time to naturally develop into a more complete footballer, rather than be fed to the hounds every time you make a mistake playing in Europe.

However, if you stay too long, that best opportunity to leave and progress might just pass you by. Just look at Freeman's club teammate, Duncan McGuire. Through no fault of his or Orlando's own, his dream transfer to Europe was snatched from him at the death last year, and now he can't buy a break from continuous injury issues.

McGuire certainly has the talent to make it in Europe, but timing is everything. If Freeman sticks it out for now, he may be more fortunate.

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Orlando's track record of developing stars

Orlando, and indeed most of MLS, may still not be the most attractive destination for emerging global stars, but the Central Florida side has developed a reputation as a proven stepping stone for ambitious players.

Youngsters like César Araújo and Marco Pašalić now feature for their respective national sides, even though Uruguay and Croatia are respected as two global footballing powerhouses.

Araújo's compatriot, Facundo Torres, joined Orlando as one of his nation's most promising talents in 2022. His time in MLS helped him mature, eventually earning himself a move to Brazilian giants Palmeiras in December.

This has not just been a recent phenomenon. Canadian forward Cyle Larin, who was drafted to Central Florida from the collegiate system for Orlando's debut MLS season in 2015, soon earned his own dream move to Europe, and now stars for La Liga outfit Mallorca.

Add to that the likes of Daryl Dike and Alejandro Granados, who departed for Club Brugge after just one game for Orlando in 2023, and we see a club that consistently boasts the ability to both develop and profit from young talent.

Freeman has got to trust that Orlando and his coach Óscar Pareja know what they're doing, and he will become an even better player for it.

The world is his oyster

Despite only being a first-teamer for a matter of months, it has become very apparent that Freeman is destined for greater things.

But the list of young Americans who leave MLS prematurely, and see their careers stall as a result, is ever-growing. Freeman is getting ample minutes as things stand, something which isn't always guaranteed abroad.

What's more, he can be assured that when he is ready to make that next step, his club will support and encourage his decision. Orlando never stands in a player's way when the time is right, as we saw with the likes of Dike and Torres.

Given his immense natural talent and potential, that time will come sooner rather than later. Until then, Freeman must make the most of his time being one of the hottest prospects in MLS, and maybe clinch some hardware along the way.