In the discussion of the best MLS SuperDraft selections of all time, a longtime Sporting Kansas City legend usually always pops to the forefront.
Graham Zusi, a seven-time MLS All-Star and World Cup veteran for the United States, was taken by the Kansas City Wizards with the 23rd overall pick in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft out of the University of Maryland.
That's right, folks. A whopping 22 players were taken ahead of Zusi in that fateful 2009 draft, which also saw Kansas City pick a defender named Matt Besler.
So, where does Zusi stack up among the very best picks in SuperDraft history? MLSsoccer.com's Greg Seltzer weighed in on the topic today, placing the remarkably versatile Zusi at No. 4 behind fellow World Cup teammates Geoff Cameron, Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore.
"The longtime Sporting Kansas City man lands ahead of Shalrie Joseph thanks to a healthier share of club bonus points," Seltzer writes. "He only narrowly trails all-time appearance leader Matt Besler, too. Zusi, who shifted from the wing to right back a few years ago, has recorded 29 goals and 72 assists in total MLS play. He helped paint the wall with an MLS Cup and three U.S. Open Cup crowns, then chalked up 55 USMNT caps and time at the 2014 FIFA World Cup."
As a member of Sporting, Zusi has won the 2013 MLS Cup, three Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup titles and helped the club to nine playoff appearances. He has amassed 32 goals and 81 assists in 345 competitive appearances, ranking second in team history in assists and games played. Zusi was an MLS Best XI selection in 2012 and 2013 and his seven MLS All-Star nods are tied with Preki for the most in Sporting history.