Sporting KC: Who is their most important player?

1. Ilie Sanchez

Since 2017, everything has gone through former Barcelona B player, Ilie Sanchez. Ilie replaced Soni Mustivar, and since his signing, Sporting has turned into a much more fluid-playing team. He was instrumental in the club’s 2017 U.S. Open Cup triumph.

Sanchez has only picked up a calf injury that caused him to come on as a substitute against the New England Revolution and Atlanta United. Both times after he entered the game, Sporting was finally able to calm down and play how they aim to play. They were able to retain possession and create chances.

The 28-year-old Catalan has played in 101 out of 102 matches, with 99 starts, and went the full distance in 97 matches. The La Masia product plays the number six role that has been mastered by Sergio Busquets of Barcelona and Fernandinho of Manchester City. Ilie has been the master of that role in MLS and I believe that he is the player that kept SKC from crumbling this season during the recent injury crisis.

Ilie is the calmest presence on the team. He makes the game look easy, a walk in the park. It truly is hard for fans not to like the man. He typically keeps things simple, which is crucial for the position. In Peter Vermes’ years of studying the 4-3-3 formation, this had to be his dream signing for SKC.