Carson, Calif. – It is without a doubt that the LA Galaxy have seen a number of excellent players play for them in their history. From players like Cobi Jones to Simon Elliot the team has had quite its fair share of superstars. Yet many could argue some of the best players the Galaxy have had has been in the past 10 years. Even if the silverware won’t show for it. In a time like this we can’t help but reminisce about the past. So here is the best starting XI for the LA Galaxy in last decade.
LA Galaxy Decade Best Starting XI 2010-2019:
*Formation used for this is a 4-4-2*
GK: Jaime Penedo
When it comes to goalkeepers the LA Galaxy have had quite the hard time. Good goalkeepers don’t come easily, nor cheap and let’s face it a DP (Designated Player) goalkeeper is quite unheard of. So when the LA Galaxy signed Jaime Penedo it was truly getting the best of both worlds. No surprise he makes this list since he played for the Galaxy from 2013-2015. A solid player under the sticks and a player who people felt comfortable and solid at the back with. Not to mention who can forget his jaw dropping save against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
RB: A.J. DeLaGarza
A player who as likable to the fans as he was, could be as versatile on the pitch as well. Because of his ability to play fullback and center back A.J. fits perfectly in this team out on the right. A faithful and committed player he played seven years with the LA Galaxy from 2009-2016 before he departed to the Houston Dynamo. A total of 204 appearance in a Galaxy jersey in MLS. DeLaGarza was always a player to put it out all on the pitch and as a defender you need that.
RCB: Omar Gonzalez
A player much like A.J. DeLaGarza, Omar Gonzalez is another great versatile defender. Playing for the LA Galaxy a total of six years and making 180 appearances in MLS. His talent was matched by very few on the pitch and was such an arial presence in both defense and attack. The former USMNT player rightfully so earns his spot in this best XI.
LCB: Daniel Steres
Many might be shocked and surprise as to why Daniel Steres is on this team. Now it doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone who follows the Galaxy that good central defenders have been hard to come for the team for quite sometime. But Daniel Steres is a great option to have next to Omar Gonzalez because he cements the team. He is the type of player to run and keep running making his work ethic up there with the rest. Maybe not most talented but he definitely has been a player the Galaxy have been able to rely on.
LB: Ashley Cole
What can’t be said about Ashley Cole in a Galaxy jersey. A player that came and made a huge impact right away. Even though not being the biggest name sometimes in the locker room he was always leader and always showed it on the pitch. A man with vast experience and probably the best if not one of the best left backs to play in a Galaxy jersey. Ashley Cole well cements his starting spot in this team.
RCM: David Beckham
What hasn’t been said about the man, the legend himself David Beckham. He changed not only the LA Galaxy but Major League Soccer as a whole. So its was easy to make the decision to put him in this team seeing as how he was with the Galaxy up to 2012. Beckham did some of his best work in MLS as a center midfielder and because of that he fits perfectly in this RCM spot with the liberty of being able to go forward. His touch is unmatched and his vision is second to non. A player the LA Galaxy desperately miss.
LCM: Jonathan dos Santos
A fan favorite Jonathan in his short time at the Galaxy has shown why he once played for FC Barcelona. Technically gifted and tactically disciplined the player has everything you need from a midfielder. The Mexican National team player is a perfect partner for David Beckham because he gives him the liberty to go forward, while he stays back to cover the midfield. While there’s been plenty of other players to come thru the Galaxy team, non have been as talented and disciplined as Jonathan.
RM: Landon Donovan
When you think about the LA Galaxy it’s impossible not to think about Landon Donovan as well. The former USMNT player was the poster boy for the team for so long and rightfully so. Very few players understand and feel the colors of the LA Galaxy the way Landon Donovan did. There isn’t a need to mention about his skills and talent as his reputation precedes him. A perfect fit for this LA Galaxy best XI.
LM: Romain Alessandrini
When you think of talented wingers for the Galaxy Romain Alessandrini definitely is one that comes up right away. Even though he did his best work out on the right, he is no stranger to playing out on the left. Seeing as how the team is in need of a deadly winger down the left the Frenchman makes perfect fit for this team. Not only is he fast and capable of getting past defenders he offers assists and goals.
RF: Robbie Keane (c)
Probably one of the most loved players to ever play for the LA Galaxy, Robbie Keane is by fair an obvious choice for this team. And rightfully so the captain for the team. A player who even tho had plenty of talent and goal scoring ability, was always one to put it all out on the pitch. A leader inside and outside the field its no big surprise that he gets the call up for this best XI.
LF: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
It’s hard to imagine a world in which Zlatan Ibrahimovic doesn’t make an LA Galaxy all time starting XI. The man came to the league and started scoring goals for fun it seemed. So it makes perfect sense as to why the this man makes the team even though he was only in the team for two seasons. Then again who could come close to his goal-scoring capacity.
