LAFC have signed Uruguayan talent Brian Rodriguez as they look to bolster the future of the club. The acquisition simply commences the next phase of dominance.
It was coming and it happened. Los Angeles FC landed their next Designated Player.
In the end, it was Brian Rodriguez who got the call to help the California club in their quest for their first Major League Soccer title. Rodriguez will join LAFC as a Young Designated Player as the 19-year-old joins the MLS leaders from Peñarol in Uruguay.
Rodriguez is one of LAFC’s first big under-20 signings. In just their second season in MLS, LAFC have not gone all-in yet on bringing in young players to begin developing for the future, like other top teams in MLS, Atlanta United being chief among them, but this move signals a possible future trend as they have their eye on becoming a top destination for emerging talent from around the world.
With the season entering its later stages, Rodriguez will have a bit of added pressure as he will join LAFC during a critical time. This will put the young Uruguayan through an early test. If he can bring an added dimension to an already blistering LAFC attack, he could become the best under-20 player in MLS.
Rodriguez was not only on the radar of LAFC; he had been gaining interest from Europe, such is his prestigious ability. Rodriguez made himself known to the world with a fine performance in the under-20 World Cup, scoring two goals and registering one assist during the competition.
During the winter transfer window, it may have been a definite possibility that Rodriguez would get signed by a European club. Rodriguez ultimately has made the decision that MLS will work out better for him at this early stage in his career. Perhaps, he has been motivated by former Peñarol player Diego Rossi, who now operates as a major part of LAFC’s attack.
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Rossi has gained interest from clubs in Europe as a result of his performances in MLS and is likely going to be on his way out in January. Rodriguez will hope to have the same career trajectory as his countrymen. Additionally, Rossi’s absence will set the stage for Rodriguez to be a major part of LAFC’s starting XI next season.
With how impressive LAFC’s attack has been, Rodriguez is only going to make them more dangerous. The 19-year-old is going to be presented with plenty of chances to score and to help create opportunities. LAFC see him as a player who can come in and contribute right away.
Consequently, Bob Bradley now has another option to turn to from off the bench to make life difficult for opposing defenses, which should not go unnoticed given that Cristian Ramirez was traded away in the summer transfer window.
Rodriguez, then, will inject another dimension in LAFC’s attack that should compliment players such as Carlos Vela. Don’t be surprised to see him on the scoresheet very quickly. And shortly after, don’t be shocked if he — and LAFC by extension — continue to dominate.