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Why we like him
Surman's biggest selling point is availability and minutes. He has been a near-automatic starter for Portland this season, logging 90-minute shifts regularly and recording five appearances in the last 5 game weeks and 15 appearances in the last 15 game weeks, so expect him in the Starting XI and a full-match floor. He also brings upside on set pieces and occasional attacking return after starting all three of New Zealand's World Cup group games and scoring against Egypt, which pushes his ceiling beyond a pure clean-sheet play. Seattle concede roughly 1.25 goals per game this season, so this home date is a reasonable spot for a Portland defender to pick up a shutout or at least steady defensive points, with Surman offering a safe floor and a modest ceiling if Portland keeps them quiet.