Sporting Kansas City: Seven players to watch in 2019

KANSAS CITY, KS - MARCH 14: Sporting Kansas City forward Krisztian Nemeth (9) celebrates with Sporting Kansas City defender Botond Barath (2) after scoring a goal during the CONCACAF Champions League match between Sporting Kansas City and Club Atletico Independiente on Thursday March 14, 2019 at Children's Park in Kansas City, KS. (Photo by Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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KANSAS CITY, KS - AUGUST 18: Sporting Kansas City forward Gianluca Busio (13) handles the ball before an MLS match between the Portland Timbers and Sporting Kansas City on August 18, 2018 at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, KS. Sporting KC won 3-0. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Sporting Kansas City forward Gianluca Busio (13) (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

SPORTING KC PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2019 – GIANLUCA BUSIO

Gianluca Busio is just plain fun to root for. The forward broke multiple SKC and MLS records last season as a fifteen-year-old in MLS competition, and should see more playing time this season.

The record-setting top academy product also makes regular appearances on the U.S. Youth National Team and will most likely be in the U-17 World Cup Team this summer. Busio has been given a lot of big soccer opportunities in the past year, and he’s shined throughout all of it.

Especially after fellow teenage Homegrowns Tyler Adams and Alphonso Davies were sold from the MLS to European clubs in 2018 and are now having successful seasons with their respective clubs, Vermes is likely to capitalize on the stock he has in his young talent and play him for at least six or seven matches.

In those select matches that Busio receives an opportunity in, watch for big moments from him.

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