Youngster Sullivan's numbers speak for themselves

[Reuters] Cavan Sullivan's performances, goals, and assists since the World Cup put him up there with the MLS's top individual stars, including Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann and Luis Suarez. Few players beyond those mentioned can match Sullivan's goal contribution rate in MLS since the World Cup, and there is a strong argument to say the youngster has been the best player in the league during that time. The numbers speak for themselves. They speak of a player who has performed a key role in his team's rise up the league table in the past few months, and of one who has the output in front of goal to go with the minutes on the pitch. The facts need no extra hype or sensational Messi comparisons. Sullivan has seven goals and five assists in MLS this season. Six of those goals and four of those assists have come during August and September. Rather than struggle with the weight of expectation, his performances have improved as the spotlight on him has brightened. It appears he is already outgrowing the North American league, but it might be wise to allow him to play at this level, in his hometown, with his family around him (his brother Quinn, 22, also plays for the Union) for a little while longer, regardless of the other options open to him pre-Manchester City. "I find him to be handling the pressure of everything pretty well," said Jonathan Tannenwald, chief soccer correspondent for the Philadelphia Inquirer. "Talk with him for long enough, and you'll know he's still a teenager, still finding his way with some things as any teen would. "Yes, he can come across as cocky, but he's well grounded, not just by Ryan Richter [manager at the Philadelphia Union], but by having his oldest brother there in the locker room with him." Read more about Sullivan and his form here