Zeus Shying Away From The Spotlight?

No matter how hard he tries to hide himself from it, the spotlight will continue to shine on the Sporting Kansas City's winger all year long. Graham Zusi, a breakout all-star midfielder, isn't the attention-seeking type and in fact, he admits not being too comfortable with it either. With his rapid rise in fame and fortune, he has been compelled to deal with it. Who wouldn't?

It all started a year ago when he was finally given a chance to start in the lineup a couple of months going into the season. He then went on to become the year's MLS breakout player. It really is just another rags-to-riches type of story. He barely even clocked in 1,000 minutes and started in only nine games throughout his pro career after being drafted from Maryland in the second round as the 23rd overall pick of the 2009 Super Draft.

His impressive style, his pinpoint precision on corner kicks and his aggressive distant shots, have been the basis for Jurgen Klinsmann, coach of the USMNT (U.S. Men's National Soccer Team), to bring Zeus in the training camp.

Zusi, in only his second international game, scored the team's only goal for a 1-0 win against Panama last January. He continues to impress Klinsmann, earning four more call-ups and he has truly demonstrated that he can be a significant factor for the CONCACAF semifinals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

After playing in the last couple of World Cup qualifying matches, Zeus may just be the apparent heir to Landon Donovan, the team's leading career scorer. Donovan has been dealing with injuries from the MLS season. He even has not been on the USMNT since August and he has only played in eight out of 20 games under Coach Klinsmann.

Zeus' participation in the nationals didn't affect his performance within his club. In fact, it even motivated him even more by leading the MLS and the Sporting KC with 15 assists. This has earned him his spot to be among the contenders for the MVP award. And if it weren't for Chris Wondolowski, a forward for the San Jose Earthquakes, Zusi may possibly end up being the favorite for this award.

It seems as if this once timid winger has drawn strength from the spotlight. It just motivates him to work and play harder. With the field as his sanctuary, expect this "reserved" and "bashful" player to transform into a tenacious and aggressive competitor once the whistle blows.