Juninho

The MLS Eastern and Western conferences came to an end this weekend ahead of the playoffs, which begin on October 28 and conclude with the grand final on November 21.

David Beckham's Los Angeles Galaxy are there, finishing the Western Conference as champions, with the former England captain scoring in the final league game. They play the Seattle Sounders in the Western Conference semifinals, while Real Salt Lake and FC Dallas will meet in the other semi.

Thierry Henry's Red Bull New York are also there, after winning the Eastern Conference, and will play Chicago Fire , with Columbus crew and Kansas City Wizards contesting the other semi final.

The MLS appears to be on the rise with a blend of stars in the twilight of their careers like Henry, Beckham and Rafael Marquez, and some excellent youngsters benefitting from the presence of the more experienced players.

In fact, Henry recently said he was impressed with the level of the league in North America.

And there are some interesting young prospects who could well be eying pastures new come the off-season.

Here are a few that have caught our eye who we believe have the potential to succeed at a higher level.

Sainey Nyassi
Team contract expires 2010
Club: NE Revolution
Age: 21
Nationality: Gambian
Position: Right midfielder
Estimated market value: €250K-500K
Efficiency rating: Goal or assist every 763.0 minutes

Nyassi, the twin brother of teammate Sanna Nyassi, is an exceptionally quick player who can pull defences out of shape with his lightening pace.

He's great on the ball and has the ability to easily beat his man in one-on-one situations. 

He is a hard worker, and after becoming the youngest player ever to debut for his former club NE Revolution , he has shown his eagerness to learn and improve his game.

He has scored twice and chipped in with an assist this season, not a sensational return, but there's no doubting Nyassi's potential.

Goal and two assists for Nyassi against Toronto FC

Danny Mwanga
Club: Philadelphia Union
Age: 19
Nationality: Congo
Position: Striker
Estimated market value: €100K-250K
Efficiency rating: Goal or assist every 128.8 minutes

This past IMScouting Player to Watch has displayed skills of the highest calibre in his first season, with seven goals and four assists.

This young and promising striker has a bright future in the game, and after been drafted in first place in 2010 MLS super draft, he has certainly met his high expectations.

Mwanga is incredibly strong and very athletic. He knows how to shield the ball, has good dribbling ability and is clinical in front of goal.

Mwanga had trials at Auxerre, Lille, Strasbourg and Blackburn Rovers after impressing in 2008 for Oregon State Beavers, but he opted to stay in the MLS and develop his game.

However, Mwanga is now more than ready to move up to the next level.

Mwanga on fire

Andy Najar
Club: DC United
Age: 17
Position: Attacking mid(R)
Estimated market value: €500K-1M
Efficiency rating: Goal or assist every 270.6 minutes

Another past IMScouting Player to Watch, and a Honduran sensation.

Najar is a highly-rated prospect who came through DC's youth academy and quickly became one of the most talented players in the MLS.

Najar is a versatile winger who can play on both flanks or in the middle, He's fast and has excellent agility.

He has fantastic dribbling ability and has the propensity for the spectacular. He can shoot with either foot and whips in wonderful crosses.

Najar has scored five goals and set up two this season, and he is one of the best rookies in the league.

Najar stars for DC United

On loan from Sao Paulo FC, Juninho seems to have found his feet in the MLS.

Of course he is still developing his game, but he is a smart player who is good with either foot.

He has a great first touch and typically Brazilian technique. 

He has just three assists and two goal this season, but Juninho pulls the strings superbly in central midfield.

One to watch in the playoffs.

Juninho joins Beckham on the scoresheet in final league game

Fredy Montero
Club: Seattle Sounders FC
Age: 23
Nationality: Colombian
Position: Striker
Estimated market value: €500K-1M
Efficiency rating: Goal or assist every 474.8 minutes

Another IMScouting Player to Watch - and another man to look out for in the playoffs.

Montero is a talented all-round striker whose 12 goals and three assists helped the Sounders clinch fourth spot in the Western Conference. He is creative and smart with the ball, has a good engine, good speed and gets in the right place at the right time.

He has great finishing skills with both feet, is good in the air and has a powerful shot from distance.

Montero was linked with a move to Spanish side Real Betis in the summer 2008, but the more mature 23-year-old should now be ready to try his luck in Europe.

Montero bags brace against Chicago Fire

Robbie Rogers
Team contract expires 2010
Club: Columbus Crew
Age: 23
Nationality: USA
Position: Left midfielder
Efficiency rating: Goal or assist every 1457 minutes

Just one goal this season, but Rogers is a talented local, who has won 12 caps and scored a goal for the national team.

Rogers is quite quick, is a good passer of the ball and can score from almost anywhere and with both feet. 

He has an air of arrogance about him, which helps him on the pitch and could well help his succeed in another league.