CARSON, Calif. – Javier Chicharito Hernandez has arrived in MLS. He joins the LA Galaxy offense. With Zlatan Ibrahimovic departing, which had some positives, Chicharito comes to the club as the front office is looking to finally implement their system and style of play.
LA Galaxy Offense Takes Shape With Chicharito
There still are some concerns for the Galaxy back line but the attack looks to be potent. Cristian Pavon will be in his first full season in MLS. Aleksandar Katai and Sacha Kljestian have come in. Depth options in the front three are a bit of the doubt, but the expected starters should start at least thirty games assuming they stay healthy.
The midfield trio of Sebastian Lletget, Joe Corona, and possible captain Jonathan dos Santos will look to secure the midfield.
There’s no doubt that Chicharito is not the force of nature Zlatan was in MLS. But he won’t bring the ego that his predecessor did. He’ll be more focused on the success of the team than his own stats. He’ll have a better work rate defensively and will be more mobile. That will help the whole of the team be more functional.
Guillermo Barros Schelotto and Zlatan Ibrahimovic were basically the soccer equivalent of an arranged marriage. It wasn’t ideal for GBS to move this club in the direction he wanted to. Now they have a player that they’ve sought after, a player the technical staff believes will work in their system, and a player who will appease the marketing needs of the league and ownership.
The Galaxy missed the playoffs two years in a row. Last year, they got past Minnesota United FC then suffered their first ever loss against Los Angeles FC. This team will be judged by how they finish in the league, what they do in El Trafico against LAFC, and if they win MLS Cup.
Chicharito playing well and entertaining will help at the ticket office. Chicharito and Dos Santos playing well for club and country will help with perception. But ultimately, the Galaxy and their star striker will be judged the same way they always have:
They’ll be expected to do what Zlatan didn’t do in MLS: Win trophies.
