Transitioning players from college to MLS is a difficult task, but one D.C. United have had success in over the years. Faster pace, more aggressive play, traveling farther, all these aspects and more take a level of adaptation to be efficient in Major League Soccer. For D.C. United, top draft picks such as Nick DeLeon, Taylor Kemp and Steve Birnbaum have all experienced that transition with DCU and been better for it. Next on the list: German midfielder Julian Büscher, United’s 2016 first round SuperDraft pick and 11th overall.
While it is still early in the season, Büscher has already gained valuable experience as a rookie appearing in six MLS matches (105 minutes) and both CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal matches (30 minutes). In the home leg match against Querétaro, the German showed the home crowd what he’s capable of with a 25-yard screamer that banged in off the post.
While the goal was certainly proof of Büscher’s talent and ability, consistency is still something that has to come with time. “It’s been an up-and-down season for him, more ups than downs I would say, which is normal for a young kid coming into this league,” United head coach Ben Olsen said. “It’s important for guys like him to see minutes, because ultimately that’s where he’ll develop, on the weekend, in tough games that matter.”
Julian’s appearances have been in tight matches late, most recently on the road in Philly with United looking for some creativity to break the tie. "I'm learning everyday," Büscher said. "When I get those opportunities, it makes me a better player and I try to learn from the veteran players on this team to make me a better player." Experience like that on the road in a hostile environment can fuel a young player to sharpen his craft at an early stage in his career. And while he played in Germany before coming to America to play in college, learning the nuances of MLS is an entirely different animal. Only time will tell what his ceiling is, but for now he is the rookie United was looking for. “As long as he can continue to do an adequate job and continue to learn, he’s got a lot of talent, and he’s somebody that can help us not only this year but in the future as well."