LA Galaxy: Robbie Keane Making Strong Case For Back-to-Back MVP’s

LA Galaxy striker Robbie Keane has entered his name in the MVP race this season.

Right off the bat, I’m just going to say what everyone is thinking. Los Angeles Galaxy striker Robbie Keane is making a case to win back-to-back MLS MVP titles. He’s been in scintillating form since returning from his injury on May 22.

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The Galaxy are back in first place with 43 points. Keane has helped LA win 9 games since returning to the lineup. The five-time champions are tearing the opposition’s nets with a league-leading 44 goals thru 26 games of the MLS season. Keane has been leading the charge in the barrage.

In his 100^th career match Keane scored a brace in five minutes to help the Galaxy win their second consecutive road win of the season earning himself team of the week honors for week 26. Keane’s return to full fitness has improved the level of team play with his class on the pitch. Aside from being a lethal scorer, he’s a creative passer and a vocal leader.

The Galaxy have two new shiny toys in Steven Gerrard and Giovani dos Santos but Keane is the heart and soul of Bruce Arena’s squad. The team is 3-0 when dos Santos plays but Keane has been the protagonist in the few games he’s been in.

Aug 15, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy forward Robbie Keane (7) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the second half against FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

In 16 games this season, Keane has scored 13 goals and 5 assists. During last season’s MVP campaign he finished with 19 scores and 14 assists. Eight games remain in the 2015 season and with the talent surrounding Keane now, he could see more opportunities to add to his tally.

Since his arrival in 2011, he’s scored 66 goals, 19 game-winning goals and earned 40 assists. His impact on the field is unparalleled and I would argue he may be the greatest designated player in MLS history. Since the DP was implemented in 2007, Keane has enjoyed more success than any other foreign-born player in the league. Some would argue Thierry Henry, but with 22 games more for the Frenchman, Keane has surpassed him in goals and is two assists away from passing him.

Anyways Keane this year has catapulted his team from the depths of mediocrity. When Keane was out of the lineup, the Galaxy were a borderline playoff team playing very uninspiring football. When he came back, the team regained their swagger on the pitch. Countless injuries plagued LA but none hurt the team more than missing the fiery captain.

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This MLS season has showcased new DP’s who are having outstanding debuts for their respective clubs. Sebastian Giovinco has an impressive stat line for Toronto FC; 16 goals and 11 assists. David Villa (NYCFC) has 14 goals and 6 assists, leading MLS scorer Kei Kamara (Columbus Crew) has 17 scores and 5 assists.

What separates them from the 35-year-old reigning MVP is that Keane has played in fewer games and has similar stats. Keane’s team is in first place and is a serious contender for the title. Other than Columbus (3^rd place) the other two clubs are mediocre. Their stats are inflated because they play on bad teams. They are all tremendous players but Keane’s impact for LA has been impressive and worthy of serious MVP consideration.

Where would the Galaxy be without Keane? His presence on the field has been nothing short of spectacular. What he has done to bring back LA from the dead is MVP-like. Three MLS cups (possibly 4) and an MVP award to his name, it should be an easy choice for Keane to be selected for his second consecutive most valuable player award.