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Peter Vermes on what went into decision to play Gianluca Busio at center mid

When Sporting Kansas City returned to play following the MLS is Back Tournament, Manager Peter Vermes made a tactical move that opened a lot of eyes around the league.

Gianluca Busio emerged as a deep-lying midfielder. It’s not a role the 18-year-old was familiar with, but one he’s earned rave reviews in.

Busio has started all three of Sporting’s matches in Phase 1 of the restart and has averaged the most distance run per game (7.3 miles per game) in the league. In a 1-1 draw at Colorado on Saturday, Busio scored his team’s lone goal and won all seven of his duels.