Was there any doubt? The man known as Chicharito was voted the MLS Player of the Month for April/May after a dominant start to the MLS campaign for the LA Galaxy.
Javier Hernandez, affectionately known the world over as Chicharito, has already scored more goals through seven games this season than he did all of last year. In seven games this year – all starts – Chicharito has seven goals and an assist for the LA Galaxy, who are in third place in the Western Conference.
Last season was a difficult first one in MLS for Chicharito given injuries, fitness issues and struggles with form. In 2020, he played just 12 games (seven starts) while scoring two goals. This season, a renewed and rejuvenated Chicharito, still ‘just’ 33-years old, appears to have a new lease on life in Greg Vanney’s first year as head coach of the LA Galaxy.
Getting the most from Chicharito, the most expensive player on the LA Galaxy, is key for the club’s fortunes in 2021. Three of the past four years, the MLS side has missed the playoffs despite being among the biggest spenders in the league. This year, they seem to have found a good balance as well as an improved defensive shape.
Getting Chicharito scoring certainly hasn’t hurt matters either as the LA Galaxy look like a playoff team and an MLS Cup contender.
While it must be said a bit tongue in cheek, Chicharito is cooling off a bit, only natural given his form to start the year.
After scoring and assisting in a May 8 win over Los Angeles FC, Chicharito then scored in a 2-0 win over Austin FC. But in the last two games – both starts where he went 90 minutes – Chicharito did not register in the box score.
The LA Galaxy have won all four games that Chicharito has scored in this season.
Follow Kristian Dyer of ‘MLS Multiplex’ on Twitter @KristianRDyer