Who Is Graham Zusi?

Following a wonderful campaign thus far, midfielder Graham Zusi has been tossed into the MLS limelight. His powerful strikes from distance and his sensational work ethic has put him into the hearts of almost all Sporting Kc fans. And why wouldn't he? The 25 year old has been nothing short of a revelation this year. Following the likes of Matt Besler and Chance Myers, who even 2 years ago wouldn't be in contention for a starting spot. But now all three players have seen serious minutes this year in the blue shirt. But let's put the spotlight back on Zusi, who is this young man? He's appeared to seemingly climb out of the depths of the Sporting Kc "good-for-nothings" and into the "good-for-everythings".

Let's take a deeper look.

Career
After having a stellar season at the University of Maryland Zusi was drafted 23rd overall in the 2009 SuperDraft. Which of course was also the year when Matt Besler and Yura Movsisyan were drafted. After playing 540 minutes for KC, (compared to Arnaud's 2,342 minutes), Graham Zusi has so far played 1,606 minutes this season. Tripling his minutes played in the previous season. Also, Graham has scored 5 goals and has assisted 4, most notably against FC Dallas and Portland Timbers. Following his good form, Zusi received the Player of the Month award for June, and a Player of the Week award this previous week.

Why He's So Good
In the 2010-11 season the transfers of Jack Jewsbury and Santiago Hirsig opened up a hole in the center of Sporting Kc's CM depth. Zusi saw his chance and has since never looked back. (It's worth noting Arnaud and Jeferson have been injured in this time-frame.)

Zusi's success is in his passing and quick-thinking. Two things that are essential for any CM/CAM on any team. But by far the most dangerous weapon in his Arsenal is his long range shot. When Zusi gets on the ball you can feel the whole stadium get excited, purely because they now what his 5'9 stature can unleash.

The Road Ahead
So what does Zusi need to do to keep up this amazing form? Stay ahead of Jeferson in the pecking order in terms of CAM. That's it. Everything else he already has. And it's worth saying that at 25 he probably won't develop much more as a player. The skills he has right now probably won't get any better. But on this team, and in this league, he's a god.

Zeus, the god of thunder.