Sporting KC: 5 key players to watch in 2020

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ZAPOPAN, MEXICO – NOVEMBER 23: Alan Pulido #09 of Chivas celebrates first goal during the 19th round match between Chivas and Veracruz as part of the Torneo Apertura 2019 Liga MX at Akron Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Zapopan, Mexico. (Photo by Refugio Ruiz/Getty Images) /

In 2020, Sporting KC are looking to bounce back after a torrid time last season. If they are to do so, here are five key players that must play their part.

Headlined by a record-breaking signing, Sporting Kansas City’s offseason acquisitions have pretty high expectations with a lot at stake for the organization. While several signings were simply to add depth, there were multiple players who will look to become key and consistent contributors this season.

While the expectations are always to compete for the MLS Cup, these five players could play a pivotal role on whether or not they can do that. While veterans like Matt Besler, Tim Melia, and Roger Espinoza will look to take their side back to the playoffs, it could be a bit of a rocky road if some of these players don’t rise to their expectations.

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So, with all that in mind, here are five key players for Sporting KC to watch in 2020.

PORTLAND, OR – SEPTEMBER 07: Portland Timbers forward Brian Fernandez takes on Sporting Kansas City defender Luís Martins during the Portland Timbers game versus the Sporting Kansas City on September 7, 2019, at Providence Park in Portland, OR. (Photo by Diego Diaz/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

5. Luis Martins

With the offseason departure of Seth Sinovic, the go-to option at left-back for Sporting KC is now Luis Martins. The Portuguese fullback was brought in from G.D. Chaves last July and received 10 appearances over the back half of last season. While the ceiling of play for Sinovic wasn’t very high, his consistency and work ethic will be hard to emulate.

The left-back spot is most definitely Martins’ to lose. The second choice is Amadou Dia, who returned to the club after spending time with the USL’s Phoenix Rising recently. Martins will look to provide more quality on the ball going forward. Sinovic was certainly a defend-first full-back, not providing enough quality in the final third which handicapped Sporting KC at times. Martins, though, has already shown his willingness to be apart of the SKC attack, possessing a dangerous delivery that the SKC attackers will relish.

Martins did seem to fit in well in the 10 appearances last season and, with a re-energized team with more quality around him, he should have all the tools to establish himself among the league’s better full-backs.

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