Cole left the Premier League after 16 years in 2014 to join Serie A club AS Roma, and he has since joined the likes of Robbie Keane and Steven Gerrard at the Major League Soccer franchise.
And he seemed to be enjoying his new surroundings, putting in a solid shift in his debut and pulling off a cheeky touchline backheel that wouldn't have looked out of place at Camp Nou.
The MLS season kicks off in early March, with the Galaxy hosting DC United in the first round.
Is Bruce Arena Loading Up for One Last MLS Cup Run with the LA Galaxy?
Feb 10, 2016
LA Galaxy head coach and general manager, Bruce Arena, center, introduces Jelle Van Damme, left, from Standard Liege in Belgium, and former Arsenal and Chelsea defender Ashley Cole at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., on Friday, Feb. 5, 2016. With the signing, Van Damme and Cole join Steven Gerrard and Robbie Keane as the biggest stars on the LA Galaxy. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
The Los Angeles Galaxy have undergone the most intriguing offseason in Major League Soccer.
At first, the idea of the Galaxy signing experienced players like Ashley Cole indicated that the club was falling behind, per Sean Steffen of SB Nation. Now, it appears as if there's an actual plan.
Head coach Bruce Arena is trying to win the MLS Cup and other trophies, in what could be his last season with the Galaxy.
Arena signed a multi-year extension before the 2014 season. Due to MLS rules, the terms were not disclosed, but at 64 years old, the American tactician may be tempted by another challenge in the near future.
Arena admitted to ESPN FC's Jeff Carlisle that he'd like to stay in the game, but he didn't know whether it would be with LA or another team.
Whatever he decides to do after the upcoming season, Arena's ambition for 2016 was made clear this winter.
Sep 12, 2015; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena show frustration with officials in the second half of the game against the Montreal Impact at StubHub Center. The game ended in a tie. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY
The Galaxy sold defender Omar Gonzalez and midfielder Juninho to Pachuca and Club Tijuana, respectively. LA then bolstered the roster by acquiring defenders Cole and Jelle Van Damme, along with midfielder Nigel De Jong for a combined $1.3 million in salary.
To put that number into context, LA's three marquee signings are still earning less than what the Galaxy paid former defender Gonzalez in 2015, per Kevin Baxter of the Los Angeles Times.
Baxter revealed the details on how the club was able to complete all three deals for a paltry amount. Essentially, the players' former clubs terminated their contracts, which allowed the Galaxy to sign the Europeans on reasonable wages.
This is just the latest example of Arena's genius. He parted ways with two stalwarts in Gonzalez and Juninho, then he replaced them with capable European veterans.
Questions will be asked about their durability, especially Cole, who rejected MLS offers for AS Roma because he wasn't "ready to relax on a beach yet" in the summer of 2014.
The English defender claimed that he was repeating what was said to him by an Italian journalist at the time, per Paul Kennedy of Soccer America:
I'm not going to come here and try to defend myself. It was said.
He kind of said it to me. 'We're glad to have you at Roma, we didn't expect you to be here, we thought you'd go relax on the beach.' In the interview, I've said it, yes. It's come out my mouth. But, of course, you have to understand that I was at a new team and I have to kind of tell the fans that at Roma I was here to fight, I was there to influence and play in the Champions League in Europe. Of course, I hold my hands up. It was said. I have to deal with it. I hope I can kind of change the views of me coming here.
As for De Jong, he can be a solid defensive anchor for the former Liverpool captain. The Dutchman is a strong tackler, reads the game well and is only 31 years old.
The only worry is De Jong's lack of pace, which explains why he only made five league appearances for an average AC Milan side this season.
Not sure this De Jong move for the Galaxy is going to work ... experienced slower players as a group doesn't bode well, hope I'm wrong
However, Arena can compensate for those shortcomings by preventing the Dutchman from roaming forward.
Van Damme is primarily a left back, but he can play as a center back. The Belgian will likely start centrally with Cole occupying the left flank.
Laurent Ciman, an ex-teammate of Van Damme's, joined the Montreal Impact from Standard Liege last year and was named MLS defender of the year a few months later. Perhaps the Galaxy man can follow suit.
The Galaxy also signed a slew of MLS veterans this winter. Jeff Larentowicz provides cover in midfield and defense, while Mike Magee bolsters LA's depth up front.
Dan Kennedy's acquisition from FC Dallas was one of the most crucial additions. The 33-year-old will be the starting goalkeeper and should be a significant upgrade over Donovan Ricketts.
Arena even signed 22-year-old forward Emmanuel Boateng from LA Galaxy II. Los Dos were the USL runners-up, so a few of those players could earn some first-team minutes in 2016.
Based on Arena's resume, it would be tough to critique these moves. However, pursuing players who are over the ages of 30 to replace Gonzalez and Juninho (27) is a curious decision.
Idea for LA. Bring in a heavy influx of Euro talent during this window to help be in proper shape to compete in CCL. (1 of 2)
Gonzalez was destined to leave because the Galaxy had no flexibility in the salary cap to keep him, per Fox Soccer's Kyle McCarthy. LA had no choice but to sell him.
Juninho's agent was pursuing options in Europe for his client after Gerrard's arrival, per Baxter. Therefore, the midfielder was bound to be sold during the offseason.
After what occurred in 2015, Arena cannot afford to take any risks. Signing older players provides leadership and calmness to the squad in pressure situations. This is especially important at the back.
Arena also brought in these players in time for preseason. They now have a chance to build chemistry and test out potential formations for the upcoming campaign.
If this is Arena's final campaign with LA, he's gunning for glory, which should please Galaxy fans.
Nigel De Jong to LA Galaxy: Latest Transfer Details, Comments and Reaction
Feb 3, 2016
AC Milan's Nigel de Jong, right, challenges for the ball with Verona’s Federico Viviani during the Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and Hellas Verona at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Dec. 13 , 2015. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
The L.A. Galaxy announced the signing of AC Milan midfielder Nigel de Jong on Wednesday.
In a statement on the club's official website, the Galaxy confirmed the capture of the Dutch international, who will join the club as an International player.
Per the statement he will join the squad "pending the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa."
De Jong believes now is the right time to make the switch to MLS. According to Adam Serrano of the club's official website, he said: "I thought that it would be the perfect time for me to go to the States because of my age. Instead of being a little bit older, I’ll be heading over in the best part of my career. That's when I decided that I wanted to go to the Galaxy."
If you see the last couple years of my career, on the pitch you can see that I’m 100 percent and dedicated to the game no matter what club that I play for. I take no prisoners, but I always play with respect. I do my best for the team. At the end of the day, it’s about winning. No matter how you play, it’s always about three points. I think that I’m a strong character on the pitch, and I’m heading to Los Angeles to win.
Manager Bruce Arena believes the 31-year-old will prove an excellent signing. Per the statement, he said: "Nigel is an experienced midfielder who will help the players around him get better. He will add qualities on the field that can strengthen our team in all areas. We look forward to Nigel coming to Los Angeles and joining our club."
Midfielder Steven Gerrard, who played against De Jong during the latter's spell with Manchester City, hailed the enforcer as "one of the best at what he does":
Indeed, the Netherlands international's arrival should benefit Gerrard greatly, as his physical presence and work rate will not only ease the workload on the 35-year-old's legs but also give him more time on the ball, akin to the system Juventus deployed last seasonwith Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio covering for Andrea Pirlo.
De Jong, who played in the 2010 World Cup final as one of his 81 caps with the Oranje, will add huge experience to L.A.'s squad having played across Europe, with Ajax and Hamburger SV among his impressive array of former employers.
Per Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl, De Jong will become a Designated Player at the StubHub Center:
MLS things I learned today-it's possible to sign a player to a contract in which he isn't a Designated Player one year and is one the next.
The midfielder follows Ashley Cole to the West Coast as another experienced international player, and with the likes of Gerrard, Robbie Keane and Giovani dos Santos already in the squad, Arena's side will have their eyes firmly set on the MLS Cup this season.
Galaxy missed out last year but have made strong strides to correcting that in 2016 and may well be rewarded for their efforts.
Los Angeles Galaxy Star Steven Gerrard Performs 'Dab'
Steven Gerrard was not known for his dance moves during his time with Liverpool in the Premier League, but it seems life in Major League Soccer has softened the 35-year-old.
Making Sense of the LA Galaxy's Puzzling Offseason Moves to Date
Jan 21, 2016
Sep 12, 2015; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena show frustration with officials in the second half of the game against the Montreal Impact at StubHub Center. The game ended in a tie. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
The LA Galaxy are no strangers to being in the spotlight during a transfer window, but usually the decisions made by the brass at the StubHub Center are met with praise.
But that has not been the case this offseason as two of the club's best players were sold to Liga MX, and their rumored replacements only have a few years left in their legs.
There was no doubt that head coach Bruce Arena's side was in need of a retooling after the five-time MLS Cup champions fell out of the Western Conference playoffs in the knockout round at the hands of rival Seattle Sounders. However, no one expected the change to involve the team's best center back and the rock of the midfield.
During a short span in December, Omar Gonzalez left the Galaxy for Club Pachuca and midfielder Juninho was transferred to Club Tijuana. The departure of the two title winners left the Galaxy with only five members of the starting 11 that helped hoist the 2014 MLS Cup.
Oct 25, 2015; Kansas City, KS, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy defender Omar Gonzalez (4) passes the ball during the second half of the match against Sporting KC at Sporting Park. Sporting KC won the match 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
In addition to Gonzalez and Juninho, Jaime Penedo, Stefan Ishizaki, Marcelo Sarvas and Landon Donovan have left the club for a multitude of reasons. Penedo left in the summer of 2015 due to a contract dispute, Ishizaki opted to go back home to Sweden earlier in 2015, and Sarvas was traded to the Colorado Rapids to make way for Steven Gerrard in midfield. And as we all know, Donovan retired from soccer following his run to the championship in 2014.
An argument can be made that the Galaxy haven't upgraded as a whole since winning their fifth MLS Cup on December 7, 2014. Donovan Ricketts was a bust in net after Penedo left, Ishizaki's void on the wing was never truly filled, and Gerrard left fans wanting more with his performances in the middle of the park.
Instead of injecting a much-needed boost of youth into the starting 11 by way of their USL club, LA Galaxy II, the Galaxy are trying to bring in wiser veterans from Europe, which has many questioning the competency of the front office.
Former Arsenal and Chelsea man Ashley Cole is the biggest name on the Galaxy's shopping list. Cole, who spent little time on the pitch with Roma in Serie A, enters MLS as a 35-year-old left back who hasn't seen consistent playing time since he left Chelsea.
The lack of action is a concern, but it also means Cole will be fresh to start the season. Goal.com's Ives Galarcep confirmed on Tuesday that Cole will be joining the Galaxy following a termination of his contract at Roma.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 17: Ashley Cole of AS Roma kicks the ball during an AS Roma training session at Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 17, 2015 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Cole's entrance into the lineup will bring about a few options for Arena to maneuver his squad into different positions. With Cole at left back and A.J. DeLaGarza at right back, Robbie Rogers could end up in midfield, where he started his career, and contribute more to the attack from the wing.
With plenty of players in reserve at the USL level and the need to find a constant provider for Robbie Keane, Giovani dos Santos and Gyasi Zardes, Rogers' move to midfield on occasion and Cole's presence at left back may help LA.
The other two names linked with the Galaxy are also defensive-minded players. Standard Liege defender Jelle Van Damme and AC Milan midfielder Nigel de Jong have had their names attached to the Galaxy recently, per Galarcep. Both players would bring more experience to the defensive spine in front of goalkeeper Dan Kennedy, who was acquired in a trade with FC Dallas at the start of the offseason.
LIEGE, FRANCE - AUGUST 27: Jelle Van Damme of Standard de Liege and Martin Linnes of Molde FK in action during the UEFA Europa League play off round 2nd leg between Standard Liege and Molde FK at Stade Maurice Dufrasne, aka Stade de Sclessin on August 27,
LA's back four could feature DeLaGarza, Van Damme, new signing Jeff Larentowicz and Cole. De Jong would presumably end up in central midfield with Gerrard, while a mixture of Zardes, Dos Santos, Rogers, Baggio Husidic, Sebastian Lletget and Jose Villarreal occupy the wings with Keane up top.
Only four of the players mentioned above enter the season 26 years old or younger. That is a concerning fact for the Galaxy, who also have forwards Alan Gordon and Mike Magee, both 31 or older, on the bench. But it could also be setting LA up to achieve something no MLS club has ever done: win the CONCACAF Champions League.
With a continental title on their mind, the Galaxy could potentially enter the 2016 campaign with players who have won titles in England, Belgium and the Netherlands as well as a pair of UEFA Champions League winners. That experience will be needed beginning in February, when the Galaxy square off against Santos Laguna of Liga MX in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions League.
Oct 25, 2015; Kansas City, KS, USA; LA Galaxy forward Robbie Keane (7) reacts after scoring a goal against Sporting KC during the first half at Sporting Park. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
If Arena brings in all of the players his club is linked with and has his returning players in full fitness by the time February comes around, the Galaxy have a legitimate chance of winning the tournament, which ends with a two-legged final at the end of April.
If the Galaxy opt to go after the CONCACAF Champions League crown, they will not be jeopardizing their league hopes since the competition ends during the second month of the MLS regular season. If Arena plays his veterans in midweek against North America's best, he could give some young players valuable playing time early in the league calendar before they drop back down to the USL side.
If securing the first MLS capture of the CONCACAF Champions League since it was remodeled in 2008 is the ultimate goal, Arena's moves will be graded as brilliant no matter how old the new acquisitions are. The goal of professional soccer clubs is to win championships, and that is exactly what the Galaxy appear to be attempting on the continental level.
May 9, 2015; Frisco, TX, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena before the game between FC Dallas and the Los Angeles Galaxy at Toyota Stadium. FC Dallas defeated Los Angeles Galaxy 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
As for the young players who have grown leaps and bounds with LA Galaxy II, they will get to train each day under an experienced player at each position. If the Galaxy groom their prospects the right way, which they have with Zardes, the future of the club could take over in two years when Keane, Gerrard, De Jong, Cole and Van Damme fade their way out of the first team.
LA's master plan in the transfer market may not be ideal for a league that is getting younger with each year, but the Galaxy have never really followed trends when it comes to acquiring players. After all, their additions of David Beckham and Dos Santos helped roll out the designated player and target allocation money programs.
With the future of the team developing in the USL for the next two years, bringing in wily veterans who know how to win championships makes perfect sense for the Galaxy. We may not like it now, but the Galaxy could easily prove us wrong with a trophy or two over the next few years.
Joe Tansey covers MLS for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter, @JTansey90.
Steven Gerrard Takes in a Taylor Swift Concert with His Daughters in Los Angeles
Aug 28, 2015
Steven Gerrard is quickly taking to his new Hollywood lifestyle.
The Liverpool legend, who in the past has revealed that he's a big fan of Phil Collins and bands like Coldplay and Kings of Leon, showed his affinity for Taylor Swift on the most public of forums: Instagram.
He posted a short video of Swift performing in Los Angeles, while he escorted his three daughters to the concert. He wrote that the show was "incredible," with cameos from Selena Gomez and Justin Timberlake.
Welcome to Los Angeles, Stevie.
Next up on your Taylor Swift checklist: get invited on stage to be celebrated alongside the pop megastar.
The former Liverpool man had turned out for the Galaxy in the International Champions Cup pre-season tournament, but he marked his first official game in style when he found space at the far post.
Later he set up Robbie Keane for a goal, meaning he had a goal, an assist and won his side a penalty.
L.A. Galaxy Players Embrace Opportunity to Team with Gerrard, Dos Santos
Jul 17, 2015
Steven Gerrard with the Adidas Ace boots.
LOS ANGELES — Steven Gerrard was on hand at an event this week in L.A. to help launch Adidas' new boots. Celebrity status was afforded to the 35-year-old, who will make his MLS bow in the Los Angeles Galaxy's game against the San Jose Earthquakes on Friday.
"It's great to be here. [L.A. is] a fantastic place to live and work," he said as he took photos with excited fans who had had their skills judged by the Liverpool great as part of the festivities.
Looking relaxed, Gerrard is fitting in to L.A. life, and his teammates are enjoying having him around. Bleacher Report spoke to the Galaxy's Mika Vayrynen and Oscar Sorto to get their thoughts on their most famous new teammate and the MLS game.
As a 20-year-old American from Los Angeles, Sorto is in awe of the former England captain: "I feel like bringing these players to our club is going to help all our players from Galaxy develop and learn. That's what I'm looking forward to, to learn from Gerrard [and new signing Giovani] Dos Santos."
"When I first saw him [Gerrard] in training, I was just thinking, this guy is amazing, his touch is so simple," he said. "He's one of the players that I used to look up to [as a kid]."
Gerrard is to be joined by another designated player in L.A., former Tottenham Hotspur forward Dos Santos of Mexico, whose arrival from Spanish side Villarreal was confirmed on Wednesday.
Adding a player of such quality will not only help the team on the field but also help the Galaxy attract Latino soccer fans familiar with him.
"Dos Santos is in his prime," said Vayrynen, a midfielder. "He's only 26 years old, it's like [Sebastian] Giovinco [of Toronto FC]—you get a big name here in the peak of their career.
"It's a very exciting signing for Galaxy and the league itself. He's a very good player, a Mexican superstar, he's going to bring more firepower for us for sure."
Mika Vayrynen and Oscar Sorto.
Former Finnish international Vayrynen joined the Galaxy earlier this year after playing most of his career in the Netherlands, so he's in a position to judge how MLS stacks up against European leagues.
"It's very difficult to compare. Here is more based on physicality and running. In Europe and in Holland, it's more based on technical skills and passing," he said. "It's [MLS] a tough league to come into. It's a totally different kind of league, it takes time to settle, but it's a good league."
"Every player [on the Galaxy] is so friendly and social," Vayrynen added. "In L.A., obviously, there's a lot of things to do, which helps."
The Galaxy players spoke at an Adidas event to celebrate a new era in the company's array of boots, featuring the "X" and the "Ace," instead of the "Predator."
In ending the iconic Predator line of boots, Adidas have certainly made a huge change—one that traditional football fans were surprised to learn of when the German manufacturer unveiled its plans back in May.
The concept is that the X appeals to the player who plays on the edge: It was first worn by Luis Suarez in the UEFA Champions League Final in May. The Ace is relatively reserved in design, featuring more black to cover the overall neon yellow look—and looking more like the traditional Predator design. It's the boot of choice for Gerrard.
As a player who grew up in the 1990s, Vayrynen was around when Adidas first introduced the Predator boot.
Everyone loved Predators in the '90s, including Paul Gascoigne, shown in 1995.
"It's a big change for Adidas," he said. "They had the Predator for many, many years, but I find the X very good. I use the leather version."
For Adidas, having players like Gerrard and David Villa—who plays for New York City—come over to MLS is a dream.
"To have Gerrard wearing the new Ace product, it's perfect," said Adidas' Peter Hong, senior merchandise manager for soccer footwear in the U.S. "And to have him in L.A., a great urban MLS market, we're thrilled."
It seems that the Ace is the pros' boot of choice so far, with Gerrard, Real Madrid's James Rodriguez and Chelsea's Oscar all opting for the design that is, as Hong put it, "for the player who doesn't want to stand out quite so much but still wants to have a little bit of swagger."
All quotes obtained firsthand.
Bleacher Report attended this event under the auspices of Adidas' #bethedifference campaign, signaling the new direction of their soccer division and new cleats.
Giovani Dos Santos to LA Galaxy: Latest Transfer Details, Reaction and More
Jul 15, 2015
Giovani dos Santos has joined LA Galaxy after the MLS club initially reported it had agreed a four-and-a-half-year deal with the former Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur and Villarreal attacker. The news was confirmed by Galaxy's official Twitter feed:
Dos Santos is currently representing Mexico at the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup and will join his new teammates after the tournament's conclusion.
Galaxy manager Bruce Arena had confirmed the signing a little before it was officially ratified, per a report from Kevin Baxter of the Los Angeles Times (h/t Goal's Thomas Floyd).
Arena had spoken about the need for a mature approach from a player who hasn't delivered on his immense potential and talent: "It’s going to be a challenge for him. He's not been at a club yet where he's had those kind of responsibilities. And he's in a community where he's going to be sought after. He's going to have to be mature about it."
Arena's words ring true. Dos Santos can light up the MLS if he fully applies himself. This is a player blessed with a natural flair and technical quality that makes him stand out in attack.
His guile in the final third will be a major boost for Los Angeles. In fact, Arena is already anticipating the gifted 26-year-old forward adding qualities that have been missing from Galaxy's attacking play in recent seasons.
He's pinpointed what exactly Dos Santos will mean for LA's forward line, per another report from Kevin Baxter:
He has the individual flair that sometimes we lack in the final third of the field. His running off the ball's good. He can go by people. He has an excellent first touch. He's a finisher. He can pass.
He's got all those great little qualities in and around the penalty area.
Dos Santos' creative touch can form a potentially lethal combination with former Premier League stars Steven Gerrard and Robbie Keane. Ex-Liverpool skipper Gerrard is a marquee signing for Galaxy, while veteran striker Keane has been a major hit since swapping Spurs for California.
Gerrard's passing range and vision, along with Keane's quickness and sly movement, should torment MLS defences. Now, though, the threat is even greater.
Dos Santos will be the link between Gerrard firing passes from deep and Keane converting chances. It will be the former Villarreal man's clever touches and stylish through passes that most often set Keane free in and around the box.
The role of chief advanced creator suits Dos Santos. He's never been a prolific goalscorer, finding the net a mere five times for Villarreal in all competitions last season, according to WhoScored.com.
But the Mexico star has always maintained the excellent technique, subtle movement and thoughtful passing every team that plays a combination game needs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3FUqfDlU9Y
Putting those talents together with Gerrard and Keane has meant taking advantage of a new rule in the MLS. Baxter noted how a change in spending has created the platform for Galaxy to finally sign Santos:
The Galaxy's three designated player spots are currently occupied by Gerrard, reigning league MVP Robbie Keane and U.S. national team defender Omar Gonzalez. But last week the league adopted new rules that essentially allow teams to use special "allocation money” to pay down the salary of DPs, creating a new slot to sign another player at a higher salary.
On the pitch, this is a hugely significant transfer. But the deal has plenty of reach off the field as well.
It's being seen as a major statement of intent by the MLS. Specifically, an endorsement of the current standard of the league and its desirability as a destination for prominent and younger players.
That would represent a major change from the over-the-hill gang that's trudged its way from Europe to the U.S. ever since Soccer landed in the States. Dos Santos moving while he still has his best years ahead of him could be the start of something new.
It's the view taken by ESPN FC scribe Andrea Canales. Before all the i's were officially dotted and the t's crossed, she heralded the transfer as the start of a new trend for Major League Soccer:
The signing of Giovani dos Santos by the Los Angeles Galaxy, if it happens, would represent a new phase for all involved -- the team, the player and Major League Soccer. Bringing in a new star in his prime to a country where a large media and fan contingent can watch him flourish is an important advance for a league looking to shake off the label of retirement destination.
Whether or not Canales' words prove prophetic will be determined by Dos Santos' success in Los Angeles. That will depend on a player who's so often flattered to deceive finally putting it altogether.
If he does, Dos Santos can be the star of Major League Soccer for the next decade.
Steven Gerrard's LA Galaxy Debut Ends in Victory as Midfielder Impresses
Jul 12, 2015
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 11: Steven Gerrard #8 of the Los Angeles Galaxy takes a shot on goal against Club America in the International Champions Cup 2015 at StubHub Center on July 11, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
STUB HUB CENTER, LOS ANGELES—Steven Gerrard made his Los Angeles Galaxy debut in their friendly match against Club America of Mexico on Saturday evening.
Gerrard played the opening 45 minutes of the International Champions Cup game, which ended in a 2-1 win for the Englishman's new club.
The visit of the Mexican side to Southern California meant for a lively atmosphere on Gerrard's first outing in America and there was a sense of anticipation around the stadium ahead of the marquee player's debut.
The 35-year-old showed a few signs of nerves and rustiness early on, but he grew into the game and began to dictate the play—making more passes and having more touches than any other Galaxy player during the opening 45.
The former Liverpool captain lined up alongside diminutive Brazilian Juninho in Galaxy's midfield, with head coach Bruce Arena having explained this week that the pair will work in tandem but that Gerrard "needs to be a little bit closer to goal."
After Club America took an early lead through Carlos Quintero in the seventh minute, Gerrard and his team-mates initially looked somewhat shell-shocked and a miscommunication between the Englishman and his new team-mate, Galaxy centre-back Leonardo, almost let the visiting side in for a second goal.
But as the nerves dissipated, Gerrard began to exert his influence more and had two opportunities shortly after the 20-minute mark—the second of which was only denied via a good save from the Club America 'keeper Hugo Gonzalez.
Gerrard burst from midfield, linked well to receive the ball back from Jose Villarreal, before hitting a half volley that looked destined to open his account for his new side. Had it been on his right rather than left foot, it surely would have burst the net.
There were some oohs and aahs as Gerrard showcased his trademark driven balls to switch play with ease and accuracy. Galaxy fans will be excited to see the new man in full flow—and against sides in regular MLS play that won't be as strong as Club America.
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 11: Steven Gerrard #8 of the Los Angeles Galaxy passes the ball against Andres Andrade #8 of Club America in the International Champions Cup 2015 at StubHub Center on July 11, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Dun
The final word of the opening half was left to Gerrard's captain, Robbie Keane, who expertly controlled a long ball to outwit both the 'keeper and an opposing defender to beautifully control the ball then slot into the open net.
Gerrard departed at half-time with the scores level, having showed enough signs that he will revel in his role at a new club.
It may take some time—and a lot of patience—to adapt to a new style of play and new team-mates who perhaps aren't always on the same wavelength, but Gerrard will get what he wanted; regular playing time as the main man in midfield.
Gerrard admitted to some rustiness post-match, saying: "I haven’t played a competitive match for six or seven weeks so it was very important that I got out there and got 45 minutes."
"For me personally, it was good to get 45 minutes under my belt and I’ll keep getting better and better and the more I get used to my team-mates, I’ll improve."
Arena praised Gerrard's performance: "Steven played well, his passing was very good, his partnership with Juninho was good."
Arena noted Gerrard's leadership and said that he thinks he is "about a month [away from full match fitness]."
Gerrard will make his MLS bow for Galaxy in their match at home to San Jose Earthquakes on Friday night, although Arena said he would wait to asses him ahead of the U.S. Open Cup tie at Real Salt Lake on Tuesday night, which would provide his competitive debut and first "road trip" with his new team.
Quotes obtained firsthand/via LA Galaxy. Stats provided by ICC at stadium.
