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Sporting KC needed a spark; André Luiz is providing it
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- Sporting KC needed a spark; André Luiz is providing it
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Sporting Kansas City had plenty of questions to answer this season.
But six appearances into his Sporting KC career, André Luiz is proving to be one of the answers.
The 24-year-old Brazilian winger has quickly emerged as a bright spot for a club navigating a difficult stretch, scoring five goals and adding an assist in his first six appearances.
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Luiz has scored five goals in the last four games, turning what began as an introduction to a new league and team to a statement of a player with speed, flare and an eye for goal, putting the league on notice.
The goals only tell part of the story.
Luiz has taken 24 shots in six appearances, 11 of those on target.
He's also drawn 12 fouls from opposing players and is yet to be called for offsides. He has proven he doesn't need to play tight to the opposition's backline, but rather wants the ball at his feet so he can take on any and every defender in front of him.
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His numbers paint a picture of a player not just finishing his chances - he's constantly putting himself in positions to create them.
The league has taken notice.
Despite being fresh to the league, Luiz has already earned three MLS Team of the Matchday honors in his last six appearances.
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For Sporting KC, Luiz is an encouraging sign during a time when the club needs it most.
Most importantly, Kansas City is starting to get the sense that their club-record investment could very well have uncovered a player that is capable of becoming a major piece of its future.
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While there's still season left to play, Luiz's first six appearances are only the beginning of his Sporting KC story.
For a club in a difficult moment, one thing has become clear.
Sporting KC may have found a gem in André Luiz.
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