It’s hard to find a drawback from 34-year-old Spanish Midfielder Sergi Roberto.
The former Barcelona captain arrived in Los Angeles over the weekend to play for the “best club” in Major League Soccer.
“For me, Galaxy has always been the best club since I started following the league,” said Roberto to reporters after Thursday’s training.
“I’m here to give my maximum for this club, to help it win another championship.”
Head Coach Greg Vanney has raved about the Spaniard’s playstyle and his quality on the ball but emphasized his leadership values.
“What I’ve talked about with (Sergi), and what I’ve understood with everybody I’ve talked to around him, is he’s a big communicator, and he communicates with his hands and his voice, and he’s telling people where to go and what to do,” said Vanney.
“To be honest, that’s the leader we need in this group right now.”
Roberto comes at a key time for the six-time MLS Cup winners.
The team is in the rat race for playoff spots and during streak of red cards in its past three games. It’s not the end of the world, but this portion of the season can tip the scales of momentum in favor of or against the LA Galaxy.
“We’re at an important moment in the season, with the playoffs approaching, and we have to be focused,” said Roberto
The quality he had to the midfield comes in the form of his soccer IQ and technical class on the ball. Vanney says that it was clear to see how quickly he can get on the same page with teammates during this week’s training.
“It took 15 minutes of a scrimmage yesterday to see he and Marco just kind of fall into rhythm almost,” described Vanney.
“When one moves, the other fills the space and it’s just super fluid because they’re playing with their awareness and their mind and their vision,” he added.
Vanney’s been singing the praises of Roberto since this move was announced. He’s made it clear that Roberto is key to this Galaxy team taking that next step forward.
“I think he raises our ceiling a great deal, and I think he raises just our capacity to dominate and control a midfield to another level,” said Vanney.
Roberto knows his value to this team and the way Vanney wants to play.
“We did some video meetings as well, so I can see the way we prepare games and the way the coach wants to play,” said Roberto.
“I’m here for that, for us to play football, dominate matches, create many chances, and be able to win every game,” he added.
It’s hard to ignore the positive energy Roberto has as a member of the Galaxy and playing in MLS. This new chapter of his career provides a new experience, especially as many of his ex-teammates have gone to South Beach.
“Other (Former) teammates have gone to Miami, but the Galaxy is a much more historic club, and I’m happy to be a part of it,” said Roberto.
“We have a very good team, and I think we can fight for everything.”