The newest episode of the Soccer Matters podcast with host Glenn Davis dropped this week, featuring an in-depth interview with 18-year-old Sporting Kansas City midfielder Gianluca Busio.
Gianluca Busio on Soccer Matters (begins at 16:57 mark)
The Horn 104.9 & AM 1260
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Soccer Matters Episode 58 (Featuring Gianluca Busio & Janine Beckie)
Sporting currently sits a point shy of first place in the Western Conference, thanks in part to consistent performances from the skillful Sporting Kansas City Academy product. Busio, who broke onto the first-team scene in 2018 and took another step forward last year, has blossomed into a regular starter this season with a goal and three assists to his name.
As one of the brightest young prospects in American soccer, Busio has generated palpable buzz at the MLS level. His versatility as both an attacking and deep-lying midfielder have been on full display since MLS returned to home markets in August, and he figures to be a selection for MLSsoccer.com’s 22 Under 22 later this month.
Even so, the teenager says he is simply relishing the experience in Kansas City, where he has lived since moving from his hometown of Greensboro, North Carolina, in 2016.
“I’ve always said it’s been a dream to play in Europe professionally, but I’ve also been happy at Sporting my whole life,” Busio said. “They’ve really developed me, so I’m happy where I’m at and that’s what I’ve tried to focus on.
“My parents and Peter (Vermes) especially have helped me stay humble and kept me grounded. They all want the best for me, and they all want to continue to develop me to the best of my abilities. It’s easy for a young guy who has interest overseas to get a big head and not stay humble, but they’ve definitely kept me grounded. I’m going to need them for whatever happens next.”
Busio joined the Sporting Kansas City Academy as a 14-year-old in 2016. Although the transition wasn’t easy, it took only a year for him to land an MLS Homegrown contract with Sporting as a 15-year-old in 2017.
“The first three or four months were extremely difficult,” Busio said of his move to Kansas City four years ago. “I told my mom that I wanted to leave three months in. I was 14, it was my first year of high school, I had a new school, a new family—new everything. I thought it would just be easier to go back to my family in Greensboro, but my mom talked me out of it and things got better. I started playing more, made some friends, and obviously it was a really good thing that I didn’t go back home.”
A major key to Busio’s development has been his strong connection with Manager Peter Vermes, he told Davis. The veteran head coach has entrusted Busio with increased duties in 2020, with the Homegrown Player eclipsing 50 appearances for the club in all competitions last week against Chicago Fire FC.
“We have a great relationship,” Busio said of Vermes. “He wants what’s best for me. Yes, he is intense, but I think that’s good from a coach. You can have a good relationship with him, but he also pushes you. That’s what he’s done with me in the three years I’ve been at the club. He’s done tremendous work with me, and I’ll always have trust in him for that and respect his opinions. He always has a plan, not only for the younger guys but for everybody.”
While Busio joined Soccer Matters, Vermes made his own podcast appearance this week by engaging in a discussion wth David Feuerstein, host of Feuerstein’s Fire American Soccer Show. The interview is a must-listen for U.S. Soccer and MLS history buffs, as Vermes reflected on his storied career and his progression as a player and coach in Major League Soccer.
