It’s important to state that any complimentary remarks I make about Sporting Kansas City’s Kamron Habibullah vastly understate my actual excitement about him as a player. However, as a journalist, I will try to be as objective as possible (said jokingly).
With 7 goals and 4 assists in 8 starts, there is no question that the Canadian youth international is off to a hot start. But how good is he? Simply put, very.
The 20-year-old attacking midfielder stands out as a complete package by every metric. His combination of vision and technical ability, typical of an attacking midfielder of the quality I am describing, is remarkably overshadowed by clinical finishing and athleticism, which is why some may overlook him as a true 10. However, this versatility allows him to play almost any position in Sporting Kansas City II’s game plan. So how has he gone unnoticed?
Well, if you are an MLS Next fan, he hasn’t. You might remember him from the 2019 GA Cup with Vancouver. Professionally, however, some may have underestimated the level of the Canadian Premier League when Habibullah played his first full professional season on loan with Pacific FC. Nonetheless, he impressed upon returning to Vancouver II, recording a respectable 4 goals and 3 assists in just 15 starts.
It’s important to remember that not all stars are ready by the age of 16. In fact, those who mature early sometimes burn out quickly, while those who blossom later often have longer careers. Players who have been traded or released can thrive in a new system with a coach who believes in them, or they might reach their athletic peak later on. This is often when we see smaller players dominate the game of soccer.
There are very few players who can effectively play the modern ‘10’ role. While Kansas’ rising star may be listed as a forward or winger and is often deployed in those positions, his playmaking ability in the midfield is undeniable. That was most recently displayed against Austin, game that truly showed his ability to control the midfield as not only a playmaker but a facilitator.
Regardless of the reasons behind Habibullah’s rise to this level, it’s time to recognize him as a top player, not just a player of the week. Barring any setbacks, I believe we are witnessing the emergence of a star in MLS Next Pro. Given SKC’s current position on the table, prioritizing his time with the first team should be a key focus.
FBD | Tony Thomas DesRois
