Following a forgettable season in 2023, the Los Angeles Galaxy, who have won the MLS Cup five times, appear to have regained their form with a strong start to the current campaign.
In 2023, the Los Angeles Galaxy experienced a disastrous season. They reached an all-time low and, as the most renowned franchise in MLS, all eyes were on their downward spiral. They managed to win only two out of their first 14 matches, ultimately failing to qualify for the playoffs for the fifth time in the last seven years.
However, amidst this disappointing performance, there was a glimmer of hope in the form of midfielder Riqui Puig. The Spanish player emerged as the team’s top scorer with seven goals. Despite missing several games towards the end of the season due to an ankle injury, he remained their most influential player throughout.
Puig’s impressive form has carried over into 2024, and he is now stealing the spotlight in Los Angeles. The former Barcelona wonderkid is currently a strong contender for the MLS MVP title, having contributed to seven goals in nine games. His exceptional performances have propelled the Galaxy to the top of the Western Conference.
Puig’s reputation in Los Angeles may not be on par with his predecessors, but his journey in the game is truly remarkable. He emerged from Barcelona’s prestigious La Masia academy, where he trained alongside renowned players such as Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and the legendary Lionel Messi.
Puig’s association with Barca began at the tender age of 13 in 2013, and by the time he turned 18, he had already made his senior team debut. His talent was evident even before his competitive debut, as his performance in a preseason friendly against AC Milan in 2018 left opposing manager Gennaro Gatusso in awe.
Gatusso praised Puig’s skills, describing them as spectacular and likening the way he handled the ball to poetry. Puig went on to make 58 appearances for Barcelona’s first team over four seasons. However, due to financial difficulties faced by the club, he was one of the academy graduates who had to be let go, and he subsequently joined the Galaxy on a free transfer in the summer of 2022.