Scout Report: Carlos Garcés set to bring depth to the LA Galaxy center back situation
Why the Colombian defender would be a much needed addition to the LA Galaxy backline
According to multiple sources, the LA Galaxy has their eyes set on acquiring 22-year-old defender Carlos Garcés of Deportivo Pereira on loan. Corner of the Galaxy first reported that there is a purchase option to make the Colombian center back a permanent part of the Galaxy once the loan expires.
Garcés has made 68 appearances with Pereira in Colombia’s top flight. He won the Primera A Clausura with Pereira back in 2022.
The Galaxy find themselves in a situation needing a center back. Veteran Martin Cáceres was forced to leave the Galaxy’s 1-0 win over the Seattle Sounders due to an injury midway through the first half. Jalen Neal is yet to get on the pitch for the LA Galaxy this year due to an abdominal injury. Maya Yoshida and Eriq Zavaleta are the only center backs with first-team experience on the roster.
Analyzing his Playstyle
Garcés is in the middle of this season in Colombia and his contributions have Perieria sitting in fourth place in the league table. He is an every-game starter and one of the most consistent performers on the backline.
His 24 tackles won (2.53 per 90) this season is tied for fourth in Colombia’s top-flight. Garcés has 10 interceptions on the season which is the 2nd most on Pereira’s rosters. His 5.47 duels won per 90 places him in the 85% percentile in Colombia. Garcés has an impressive 6.6 defensive recoveries per 90- that puts him in the 97% percentile.
The main area of concern for Garcés is his ability to win Aerial Duels. His 1.37 aerial duels won places him in the 16% percentile.
When you watch his film, his speed and aggressiveness stand out the most. He’s quick to jump passes and pressures the player with the ball at a faster pace compared to LA’s veteran center backs.
It’s no surprise he ranks in the upper echelon in recoveries when he’s got the pace to match most strikers and even some wingers. With how often the Galaxy tends to push one of their fullbacks, the pace of Garcés will be needed if the club finds itself in transition with just the center backs defending. The Galaxy tremendously lacks that type of athleticism from the center back position.
His comfort and composure on the ball stand out a ton and is important for how the LA Galaxy wants to play. Garcés doesn’t boot the ball immediately under pressure but will look to create his own space to play the ball forward on the ground.
He’s capable of playing line-breaking passes into the middle third of the pitch to get his team’s offense closer to goal. He’s smart about when to play those risker passes but his close control of the ball allows for more time and space in possession. This will be such an asset for the Galaxy because the team can set up their rotations to progress the attack.
These multiple dimensions of his game not only fit the LA Galaxy’s playstyle but also provide the team with attributes they’re missing from the current core of center backs.
Looking forward to seeing him play 💙🤍💛