Steven Gerrard Is Exactly What the L.A. Galaxy Need
By Brian Tabije
So what can the L.A Galaxy and its fans expect from Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard? For those of you who are unfamiliar with the England national player, he is in a nutshell a brilliant midfielder. A midfielder who should fit in perfectly with Juninho, who has been terrific as of late and most recently voted to MLS team of the week.
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Gerrard was the captain for Liverpool from 2003 until the end of the 2015 season, a UEFA Champion in 2005, 2-time FA Cup Champion, captain of the England National team for 2 years and a player who was well respected around the EPL.
He will bring his talent and knowledge to a winning program in Los Angeles. The Galaxy are right where they should be in the standings, in playoff position (4th in the West) and come fall, the chemistry should be there for another deep playoff run for L.A.
There might be an adjustment period for the former captain of Liverpool, coming into the league in July and getting right into the mix. The English Premier League is currently in their offseason, which he has been a part of for the last 17 years. Will he be fit? I’m sure. Will he adjust to the style of play in the MLS? I have no doubt about that.
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The Galaxy have a knack of bringing in talent from Europe. Current captain Robbie Keane (Ireland) part of three MLS Championships and former EPL and MLS great David Beckham (England) who was part of two MLS titles. Keane is back from injury and on track to score in double figures for the fourth consecutive season and Gerrard is an ideal player to get things rolling in Los Angeles. Head coach Bruce Arena likes the idea of the duo playing together saying “I think he and Robbie are going to be fantastic together and we’re real excited to have players of the quality of Robbie Keane and Steven Gerrard with the LA Galaxy,” quote courtesy of MLSSoccer.com.
Gerrard does well when he possesses the ball. He can create counter attacking opportunities with the long ball. He has the skill set to go 1 v 1. He will get stuck in and win the 50/50 ball. He is brilliant off set pieces from the corner as well as free kicks. And let’s not forget his ability to put one hell of a strike on the ball. He is a motivator, a hard worker and most importantly a winner.
Gerrard Highlights :
It has been somewhat of a frustrating season for head coach Bruce Arena and his boys and they can be much better. With seven ties after 20 games, believe it or not they are number 1 in the MLS in goals scored, but it is the frequency of the goals that has them out of the top seed.
The teams month of May was dismal to say the least, scoring just six times in seven matches producing 2 wins, 2 losses and 3 ties. In June the team has produced 18 goals in six matches with 3 wins, including a five nil smack down against the Portland Timbers who sit 3rd in the Western Conference.
This is a Galaxy team that needs consistency and a stronger midfield. Steven Gerrard seeks to provide just that. With his experience at the highest level, discipline on the field and enthusiasm to win, the Galaxy should be the team to beat, not only in the Western Conference but the entire MLS.
Steven Gerrard will be unveiled to Galaxy fans during halftime of the match against Toronto FC at StubHub Center. Gerrard will start training with the team July 7 and will be eligible to play on July 8 when the transfer window opens in the United States.