Snubbed for MVP, Riqui Puig Shines Bright in the Playoffs

Since shedding the Barcelona jersey to make a mark on American soil, Puig has become more than just a crucial piece for LA Galaxy; he's the soul of a team gunning for their sixth MLS title. Sure, he might not have the MVP label plastered on his chest, but who cares? The guy's been playing like a man possessed.

In the first round of the playoffs, Galaxy faced off against the Colorado Rapids with one goal in mind: close the series in two games. And that’s exactly what they did. Puig, in his finest form, led a masterclass performance. With two clutch goals in added time, the young Spaniard practically sealed the victory with an authoritative snap. The 4-1 scoreline was almost a battle cry, a warning shot to the rest of the Western Conference: the LA Galaxy are here to win, and they’re not taking half-measures.

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But what really grabs attention is Puig’s reaction after this explosion of skill and efficiency. Forget about a player hungry for personal glory. Puig’s one of those rare talents who gets the real weight of leading a team. This isn’t about awards; it’s about raising a trophy as part of something bigger. Galaxy, a club with a decorated MLS history, feels renewed now with a leader who doesn’t need to shout to be heard. He speaks on the field, with pinpoint passes, slick dribbles, and goals that come when the team needs them most.

Coach Greg Vanney sees it too and doesn’t mince words about Puig’s role. To Vanney, Puig is the Galaxy’s engine, the gear that turns possession into attack, control into victory. And when he points out that this is the time when great players carve out history, it’s clear just how perfectly the Spaniard fits the bill. Vanney, a playoff veteran, knows this is when the wheat separates from the chaff, and Puig’s looking like top-grade wheat, primed for a prime MLS Finals harvest.

There’s a dash of irony here, too. Even with his 13 goals and 15 assists this season, Puig didn’t make the Landon Donovan MVP shortlist. In the series against Colorado, Galaxy’s No. 6 didn’t just dominate; he orchestrated the whole show. He was involved in five of the team’s nine goals in that first round. If anyone’s questioning his worth, just take a peek at those stats, his impact on the field is unmistakable.

His attacking partner, Joseph Paintsil, doesn’t hold back on the praise, saying Puig deserves all that and maybe more. But the kicker? Puig doesn’t even seem to care. To him, winning the championship is the real prize. The MVP title? Just a bonus that doesn’t change what he’s actually after. And let’s be honest, that’s what separates the good players from the great ones. He’s not just out there to play; he’s out there to win. And that hunger, going beyond any individual recognition, is what’s putting Galaxy one step ahead of the rest.

Quite the contrast, right? While so many players chase personal glory, Puig throws himself, heart and soul, into something bigger. The image of him leading Galaxy, no fanfare, no frills, is almost poetic.

Galaxy fans, of course, are buzzing. After all, it’s not every day a player with Puig’s pedigree shows up and takes the reins so effortlessly. With him, Galaxy finally seems to have found that missing piece to turn the dream of a new title into reality. But the challenge is steep. Next up, they’ll face the winner of the Real Salt Lake vs. Minnesota United showdown, with the home-field advantage in their favor. And, as always, all eyes will be on Puig, the player who, rather than chasing fame, seems focused on building a legacy.

It’s impossible to see the future, but if Galaxy keeps up this level of intensity, fueled by Puig’s wizardry, their opponents have their work cut out. The dream of a sixth title isn’t so far off, and Galaxy, more than ever, looks like they’ve got what it takes to go all the way. With Puig at the helm, the team’s got a clear vision and a solid identity.