Nikos Bautista, center, listens to Coach Eric McCahon’s pre-game pep talk prior to the game against Grant High School on Jan. 30. Photos by Rick Sloan

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Cordova Lancers' sophomore Nikos Bautista might be soft-spoken but his skill on the soccer field has said plenty this season. 

A natural midfielder, the 16-year-old jack of all trades has spent time at multiple positions for the Lancers soccer team this season under longtime head coach Eric McCahon. His ability to play wherever is best for the team comes secondary to the fact that he is willing to do that without batting an eye, according to his coach. 

"First and foremost, it's about the quality of young man that he is and the leader he has grown into so quickly and at such a young age," McCahon said. "As far as his versatility as a player, it has been unmatched. You can play him anywhere. Other than goalkeeper, he can probably be an effective player anywhere on the field. The mental side of that, to embrace that, to be like 'Coach, I'm the guy you put wherever you want,' that is a skill that translates at every level. So is he gifted on the ball? Absolutely. Does he have great vision? Absolutely. But that willingness to do whatever is best for the team? It's unreal."

Nikos Bautista takes a free kick against Grant during the last home game of the season. Photos by Rick Sloan

The young underclassman began playing soccer at the age of four, learning the game from family members during soccer games on Sundays growing up. Bautista said that his favorite part of playing the game these days is enjoying the connection between he and his teammates, as well as the bond he holds with his coach. According to McCahon, Bautista isn't a big talker on the field but prefers to let his game speak for him.

"He's not a vocal guy but he leads by example," his coach said.

When asked about who his biggest inspiration is on the field however, Bautista lit up. He quickly blurted out the name of Brazilian soccer star Neymar and gave a glowing review of what he enjoys about watching Neymar play. 

"He's brilliant," Bautista said. "He doesn't think twice about making mistakes. He is always playing in a flow state."

Nikos Bautista fights for the ball early in the first half against Grant. Photos by Rick Sloan

McCahon hopes that he will continue to see Bautista grow as a player and a leader in the coming years at Cordova and said that what he has seen so far leaves him encouraged about Bautista's future both with the Lancers and potentially at the next level.

"He has the intangibles to play at the next level," McCahon said. "It will just come down to if that is a part of his future life vision. He has the things that will separate him from 80 other guys in tryouts, because a coach can go to him and ask if he can do something, and his answer will be yes."