From the Grounds: Kyogo Furuhashi on His Legacy, Vanney on Roberto's Importance, and Ramos on What He Learned About Himself
A busy day at Galaxy training with Kyogo Furuhashi, Ruben Ramos Jr, and Greg Vanney talking to the media today.
With Joao Klauss out until at least the end of the month, according to LA Galaxy Head Coach Greg Vanney, the majority of the load at striker will come from Kyogo Furuhashi.
The Japanese striker spoke to the media for the first time since his arrival at the LA Galaxy.
“First and foremost, I’m very happy to be here. I’m glad that I got my first game under my belt… It’s been a very good experience so far,” said Furuhashi via interpreter.
He played in 23 minutes off the bench in LA’s scoreless draw with FC Dallas. But in his limited time with the team, he’s excited to compete and see how he can help LA climb the table in the Western Conference.
“I know my time here has been short so far, but the Galaxy’s offensive style is holding the ball and at times hitting them with the counter. I’m especially proficient in both of those areas. Through practice, I want to incorporate myself and use my strengths, as I believe my talents really blend well with what the Galaxy’s game plans are,” he said.
Aside from football, Furuhashi is looking forward to being part of the Japanese community in Los Angeles. He revealed that he talked to Maya Yoshida about the lifestyle, MLS, and the Galaxy before making a final decision on his future.
Furuhashi built a great legacy at Celtic during his time in Scotland and is looking forward to hopefully establishing something similar in LA.
“I want to be obviously first and foremost be remembered as a great player, but also I want to be a player that kids look up to and kids watch my game and say, ‘Hey, I want to play soccer. I want to be like him,” said Furuhashi.
“So yeah, that’s his biggest legacy that I want to leave behind.”
Importance of Sergi
With all eyes and attention on Chucky Lozano, it was fellow new signing Sergi Roberto that Vanney couldn’t stop raving about following Thursday’s training session.
“You can’t play the way I want to play the game without a midfield that is able to control the game, dictate the game,” said Vanney.
“We’ve become, over the last couple of years, a team that works from outside in, when we were once a team that worked from inside out. My hope is Sergi and the relationships he’s able to build… can give us something that’s a little different,” said Vanney.
The veteran midfielder is a high-IQ player, and his technical ability is what makes him stand out against the rest of LA’s current options in the middle of the park. Vanney used the word vital multiple times when talking about his importance to the team.
Vanney also praised the type of leader and person he is.
“With Sergi Roberto, I’ve just heard nothing but amazing things about him as a leader and as a member of a team, but also a guy who can really coach and direct out on the field in a very positive way,” said Vanney.
“Some of his greatest strengths, in talking to people who have worked with him, are one, his defensive game reading and his capacity to help you just lead a defensive press or a plan, but secondly is his recognition of when to move into forward spaces and to add himself into the attack or through a line,” added Vanney,
The Spaniard is still awaiting completion of the Visa process to train and play with the team. There is no doubt that Vanney is ready for him to arrive at training and bring that extra quality that’s needed for the Galaxy.
“I can be a Bitch”
Although the U.S didn’t win the Concacaf U20 Championship, Ruben Ramos Jr. impressed the most and showed his abilities among the region’s best youth players. The LA Galaxy academy product scored four goals and one assist in six games.
“It was just a great experience, and me being able to get that shows how I came up through my youth and be able to play there is a good experience for me,” said Ramos Jr.
Ramos has built his way up the youth ranks. He’s been among the best players in the LA Galaxy academy in youth tournaments and has become a regular for the US U20 Youth National Team. It was in this recent tournament where he learned more about himself and what he can truly be capable of.
“One thing I learned for myself was I can be kind of like a bitch…when I’m like that, I started get mad and I started doing my stuff,” said Ramos.
He explained that losing to Mexico a few years ago brought on a chip on his shoulder and it felt like an itch he couldn’t scratch. That motivation and desire to get back to final led to him being a key part of the US journey to the final.
With the tournament behind him, Ramos is focused on developing into a contributor at the club level.
“The confidence I’ve gained from the national team. I would definitely want to bring it here because I want to help the team as much as I can in any way I can,” said Ramos.
“Do whatever I can to just help out the team as much as possible is my goal”.