The feedback behind this series has been phenomenal so far, so this is going to be something that I will keep bringing to our Zero Chance fam. This edition is going to take a different direction in the sense that the player that I will be profiling is extremely underrated and low-key. He plays for Varzim in the Portuguese second division, but he is a very exciting player. He has represented the youth national team at the u18 and u20 levels, but the impressive part about his rise to the pros is the fact that he made his way through the collegiate game at UCLA.
Stephen Payne is a native of Birmingham, Alabama, but he made his way through youth soccer in Chicago before becoming a UCLA Bruin. He is an outside midfielder or a wing back for Varzim and has been an effective contributing member for the first team and the reserves. I am not going to lie and say that I have been tracking his career because I haven’t. His rise to prominence has passed completely under the radar and we could very well see him in the mix in the national team setup within the next couple of years. Payne, as a player, has an acute sense of positioning, which allows him to be able to intercept a wide range of passes, and his pace and trickery allow him to drive and create from deep. He can pick out a pass just as effectively as putting in a strong tackle. His biggest moment of the season so far has been his appearance against Porto in the Portuguese version of the FA Cup.
Players like Payne should not be going under the radar because they sign for “underwhelming clubs,” they should be the ones that we watch closer than others because there is a more tangible path to competing in the first team at an earlier age rather than most likely being dropped from a bigger club at an older age. We have
Sammy: What made you decide to make the move to Portugal?
Payne: It was always my dream to play in Europe and when I had the opportunity to play in Portugal, I jumped at it. I always head of the big Portuguese stars so I knew here I could develop my game and grow as a player.
Sammy: What was the biggest change from playing collegiate soccer to playing professionally at Varzim?
Payne: I think the biggest change was the amount of pressure with each match. Here you can see the passion of the club, the players, and the supporters have and it gives me a surreal feeling.
Sammy: Soccer seems to be a big thing in your family; can you tell us a little about that?
Payne: Both my sisters play as well. My older sister played at Duke and now professionally for Sevilla and my little sister is committed to West Virginia. My dad trained us and our mom is our biggest fan so soccer is definitely in our blood.
Sammy: Describe your playing style in your own words
Payne: I like to use my speed and skill to go past defenders. I’ve also been playing wingback so I am able to play good defense and cause problems in the front.
Sammy: What players do you admire or try to imitate in terms of playing style?
Payne: I like to imitate Gelson Martins, (Serge) Aurier, and Nelson Semedo.
Sammy: What was your reaction when you were called in to the USYNT u18 camp?
Payne: Playing for the u18’s and the u20’s were experiences I will never forget. Getting to put on the crest and representing your country is a dream for all players.
Sammy: I saw that you played at Porto earlier this season; what was that experience like to play against a Champions League club?
Payne: Playing against Porto was a big moment for me. Going against players playing in the Champions League and in the highest competitions of Europe made me feel that I’m getting closer and closer to reaching my goals. The atmosphere was incredible and only made my love for the game stronger.
Sammy: What is it like playing with guys that speak a completely foreign language?
Payne: It was difficult at first but the guys helped me learn to speak Portuguese pretty quickly. Learning was important to be able to communicate with the coaches and the players to understand the ideas and objectives of the team week in and week out.
Sammy: Who are the biggest influences on your career so far?
Payne: My family, my friends, my club soccer coaches and high school coaches from Alabama and Chicago, and so many people not even involved in soccer have influenced me not only as a player but as a person. I’ve been blessed to meet so many great people from around the world and I wouldn’t be here without them.
Sammy: I’ve heard that you are a big video game guy; so tell me, what are your favorite games?
Payne: FIFA and Grand Theft Auto have to be my two favorite games.
Sammy: Do you have a special pre-match ritual that you do?
Payne: Not every game because of the time difference but I always like to call my mama and pray with her on the phone before games. It’s hard being away and far from the states so those moments are important for us.
Sammy: This is a question that I have decided to bring back: if you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Payne: That’s really tough but it would have to be Batman: The Dark Knight Rises. It has so many hidden messages and motivational moments. That’s why I could watch it forever.
Overall Impression: Get On The Hype Train – watch this space for this talented prospect
If you want to keep up with Stephen Payne and his career at Varzim in Portugal, you can follow his social media right here!
Instagram: @stephen_payne97
Twitter: @stephen_payne97
