The LA Galaxy continue to win matches despite the absence of Chicharito
A terrific run of form from the Los Angeles Galaxy has seen the club skyrocket up the Western Conference table. After a disappointing last-place finish in Group F at the MLS is Back Tournament, the Galaxy have been revitalized. The club has gone from the bottom of the table to the within reach of first place in the west.
What’s even more impressive about their recent success is they have been able to do so without their marquee signing Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez available. The Mexican striker did not play in the MLS is Back Tournament and has remained sidelined with a calf injury.
Pavon leads the way for LA Galaxy
There have been a few players who have stood out for the Galaxy over the course of the last month. But the one player that has stood out the most is Cristian Pavon. The Argentine forward has scored six goals and recorded four assists in nine appearances. He has been involved in six of the 11 goals the Galaxy have scored during their current four-match winning streak.
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As of right now, Pavon is appearing to be an early candidate for MVP of the league for 2020. He’s stepped in to take over as the club’s star player and has produced goals during the absence of Chicharito. Without Pavon on the field, it’s unlikely the Galaxy would have taken as many points as they have recently.
There are still plenty of matches to come during the regular season and Pavon is performing at a very high level. If he can continue to lead the way for the Galaxy and take them far in the playoffs then he is a very likely contender for MVP.
Lletget thriving as a No.10
Guillermo Barros Schelotto has moved Sebastian Lletget into a no.10 role recently and it is paying off. The American midfielder has been an offensive machine for the Galaxy with four goals and two assists in the last four matches. He capped off a fantastic performance against Los Angeles FC with a stunning bicycle kick to record what should be one of the goals of the season.
https://twitter.com/MLS/status/1302824383099080706
Lletget is having one of the best runs of form of his career and has proved to be an effective player as a no.10. As the season continues Lletget could emerge as one of the most surprising players of 2020. He’s already reached his highest regular-season goal total since the 2015 season. With more matches to come, he looks to be heading toward career-high numbers.
No star striker, no problem?
The Galaxy lost their best goal scorer in club history when Zlatan Ibrahimovic departed for AC Milan. As a result, a massive void was left by the absence of their star striker. The signing of Chicharito did solve the solution of where the goals would come from for the Galaxy. But his unfortunate injury has put the Galaxy in a tough spot again.
Without Chicharito and Ibrahimovic the Galaxy have actually been able to do quite well when it comes to goal scoring recently. Their 11 goals in their last four matches have shown the club is capable of scoring without a star striker in the line-up. They are getting contributions from different players which have helped them immensely.
The Galaxy are looking more and more like contenders to win the Western Conference as they get better every week. They have solved the issue of where the goals will come from which has allowed them to surge up the table.