Although I don’t watch as much MLS as I would like, LA Galaxy’s defeat to Real Salt Lake on penalties in the MLS Cup Final has caught my imagination.
Beckham transformed
LA Galaxy of course raised their profile as a football franchise by signing England star David Beckham a few years ago but until this season he had looked poor.
This season the games I’ve seen him play in hes actually contributed something to the team rather than being an expensive luxury.
His transformation has been helped by stinging criticism from teammate Landon Donovan. The American international and this seasons MLS Most Valuable Player had criticised the England internationals attitude in a well publicised book. He also questioned whether he cared about the franchise.
Fickle fans
The fans also questioned Beckhams heart for the franchise and attitude. Beckham didn’t help his cause by making a a loan move to Italian side AC Milan last January. However despite the criticism of the fans earlier this year Beckham has started putting in the sort performances that were expected of him when he became Galaxy’s marquee signing two years ago.
I would imagine the fans opinion of the former United ace has changed slightly since he helped the Galaxy to the MLS Cup final. He has shown great heart and also great character to win over the Galaxy fans. Character is always something that Beckham had in his locker but its finally showing for his current employers.
Donovan the key
Beckham’s performances however are not why the Galaxy got the MLS Cup Final. I believe its his the teammate who criticised him so heavily not so long ago Landon Donovan who was the star performer for the Galaxy. Donovan apologised to Beckham after his critical comments and this season has saw the two gain a renewed respect. That respect has helped them to establish a superb attacking partnership.
Donovan won the MLS Most Valuable Player award for the first time ever this season. His 12 goals in the regular season was key and I believe he is the most important player in the Galaxy squad. Donovan is vastly underrated in Europe after two fleeting spells in Germany firstly with Bayer Leverkusen and then last season with Bayern Munich. In those two spells the USA’s all time leading goalscorer made only 13 appearance’s in those spells in Germany.
He was hardly been given a chance in Europe and I think a move to the Premier League would be ideal for the 27 year-old. He has the technique and style to be able to handle the English top flight. He just needs the chance to prove himself. I think the Premier League is best suited to his hustle and bustle style of play. However a move away from the league would take a lot away from the Galaxy and MLS.
Lucky to have Arena
I think Galaxy are lucky to have not just Beckham and Donovan but also coach Bruce Arena. The former USA coach has turned his team from the worst team in MLS into the second best. He deservedly won MLS Coach of the Year Award after the Galaxy’s transformation.
He used his knowledge of MLS to his advantage by strengthening his defence with the signing of Jamaica international keeper Donovan Ricketts and drafted in defenders Omar Gonzalez and A. J. De La Garza. The moves paid off as the franchise performed much better in defence. The Galaxy conceded 31 goals this season, compared to 62 of last season. A remarkable improvement.
Good season despite defeat
Many will see finishing as runners-up in the MLS Cup Final as failure, but after last seasons awful campaign it has to regarded as a big success. And maybe next season with the likes of Donovan, Beckham and Arena at the franchise the Galaxy can go one step further and lift the MLS Cup.
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