Over the last four seasons, one particular position on Sporting Kansas City’s team sheet has been about as predictable as the sun rising in the east.
The holding midfield spot, commonly referred to as the “6,” has belonged to one Ilie Sanchez.
Sporting has played precisely 129 competitive matches since Ilie signed for the club in January 2017. During that time, the Spaniard has started 121 of 126 appearances and logged over 11,000 minutes of action as one of the league’s premier defensive midfielders.
The 6 may not be the sexiest of positions—defensive midfielders seldom rack up many goals and assists—but Ilie’s on-field responsibilities are nothing short of vital.