Man City-bound 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan is MLS’s chaotic revelation

The Philadelphia Union midfielder has gotten his longest run of game time since turning pro, and the data is tantalizing

Man City-bound 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan is MLS’s chaotic revelation

TL;DR

  • Cavan Sullivan, at 16, is the youngest debutant in MLS history and has signed with Manchester City.
  • He has accumulated significant playing time, with advanced statistics showing strong expected goals and assists.
  • Sullivan's playing style is described as a 'wide playmaker' with strong dribbling skills and excellent vision, drawing comparisons to Lionel Messi and Alexis Sánchez.
  • His small stature and speed are potential challenges for a successful transition to European leagues like the Premier League.
  • Despite a high turnover rate due to his risky style, his teammates and coaches show high trust in his abilities.