Kwame Awuah became NYCFC’s second acquisition of the MLS SuperDraft 2017 on Friday.
Following Jonathan Lewis to the club, the Canadian youth international has vowed to take this opportunity he’s been given and expressed his gratitude to the coaching staff for bringing him to New York.
NYCFC traded $75k of GAM to Seattle Sounders in order to land the versatile 21-year old as the 16th overall pick at the draft.
Awuah told NYCFC.com: “I’m really excited, I can’t wait to get started with the guys. To play under great coaching staff in a great city with a great fanbase, it’s an opportunity I won’t let go to waste.
“It means even more to me that they paid to move up the order – it means they really believed in me and really wanted me – to be part of a staff which welcomes me to the family, it’s a big thing.
“I can’t wait to prove that I’m worth the whole shake-up.”
For Kwame, playing under Patrick Vieira makes this move even more special.
The youngster grew up watching Patrick’s all-conquering Arsenal side in the 2000s and will now look for pointers as to what it takes to play at the top level.
“I can play anywhere from the middle to the left – so left-back, left wing, holding midfield, box-to-box midfielder… I played all of these positions in the Combine too,” he said.
“I’m a team guy, so I think being versatile gives me the best opportunity to be on the field. “I’m actually an Arsenal fan - well, Arsenal and Barcelona - so I know Patrick as a player well as I grew up watching him for Arsenal.
“He has a big frame but the way he moved with the ball and his vision was unbelievable.
“I play a lot of positions – when I play in defensive midfield I look at him as an example. When I play at left-back I look at someone like Marcelo. To be playing under someone with such football knowledge who has won the World Cup and European Championships is just unreal.
“Making the playoffs in the second year is a huge achievement and so to be playing under these coaches, I know I’m in great hands.”
For a Torontonian, who has family and friends close to New York, this move could hardly be more perfect.
Kwame has visited Yankee Stadium on a number of occasions too and now can’t wait to be playing in front of the supporters there.
“I’m excited to live in New York – just a few hours from my friends who are still at school and my family – it’s an ideal situation for me,” Awuah added.
“The city itself has a history and every time I go down there I have a grand time. I can’t wait!
“The supporters create the best atmosphere in MLS and now I’m so excited to have the chance to make them proud.”
View some highlights from our newest player below:
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