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LA Galaxy sign Mexican midfielder Jonathan Dos Santos

By Juan Herrera

SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 09: Fans of Mexico chant during the first half of a 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup Group C match against El Salvador at Qualcomm Stadium on July 9, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 09: Fans of Mexico chant during the first half of a 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup Group C match against El Salvador at Qualcomm Stadium on July 9, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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The LA Galaxy have signed midfielder Jonathan Dos Santos from Villarreal. He will soon get the chance to play alongside his brother Giovanni.

On July 25th, the Los Angeles Galaxy announced the signing of Jonathan Dos Santos from Spain’s Villarreal CF. The Mexican midfielder made 87 appearances in three seasons with the La Liga team. Prior to playing with Villarreal, Dos Santos spent a few years with FC Barcelona.

Now at the age of 27, Dos Santos has earned several caps with the Mexican national team. He even made four appearances for Mexico in the 2017 Confederations Cup.

https://twitter.com/LAGalaxy/status/890996025812439040

Although Mexico failed to win the cup, Dos Santos was one of the team’s most impactful players. His impressive performances as a holding midfielder earned him a spot on ESPN’s Best XI of the tournament.

Throughout the cup, Dos Santos showed his ability to create counterattacks from the midfield. He also showcased his excellent passing ability. The Mexican international is capable of crafting links between the midfield and the forwards up top.

Dos Santos is also able to drop back and play as a defensive midfielder. During the cup, he often remained behind attacking lines in order to disrupt the opponent’s counter attacks.

KAZAN, RUSSIA – JUNE 24: Jonathan Dos Santos of Mexico and Georgy Dzhikya of Russia compete for the ball during the FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017 Group A match between Mexico and Russia at Kazan Arena on June 24, 2017 in Kazan, Russia. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)
KAZAN, RUSSIA – JUNE 24: Jonathan Dos Santos of Mexico and Georgy Dzhikya of Russia compete for the ball during the FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017 Group A match between Mexico and Russia at Kazan Arena on June 24, 2017 in Kazan, Russia. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images) /

With Villarreal, Dos Santos scored four goals and collected eight assists. Although the scoring tally might seem low, it doesn’t mean much considering Dos Santos’ role with the team. Villarreal really never relied on Dos Santos to score.

Even so, Dos Santos is still capable of scoring goals from all over the field. He is also capable of providing great assists. People often overlook his shooting accuracy and field vision despite them being some of his stronger traits.

Where does he fit?

The Mexican midfielder is really versatile and can play practically anywhere. However, Dos Santos will still likely play as a holding midfielder for the Galaxy, meaning either Jermaine Jones or João Pedro will be benched.

It seems like head coach Sigi Schmid may be leaning toward benching Jones, considering his age and lack of speed. With Dos Santos in the middle, the Galaxy will be a lot more organized and dynamic.

At the moment, the Galaxy are three spots out of the playoff race. In order to even have a shot at the playoffs, the Galaxy will have to turn things around really soon.

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Could Dos Santos be the missing piece the Galaxy need to become contenders?

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