CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena knew he was getting a talented player when he signed Sebastian Lletget in early May 8 and was confident he would help solidify his midfield.
But this is ridiculous.
The 22-year-old, who last month joined the Galaxy from West Ham United, has four goals in six matches across all competitions, including a goal in Wednesday’s impressive 5-0 romp over the Portland Timbers in front of 21,207 at StubHub Center.
“Bruce has given me a chance and I’m just doing what I think I can do,” he said after the game.
Lletget has been nothing short of sensational since he joined the defending MLS Cup champions, but it was definitely a work in progress.
Lletget made his debut with the English Premier League side in an FA Cup match against Nottingham Forest last year, but that was it for first-team appearances. Lletget then trained with the Galaxy during their preseason tour of Sweden and Ireland and officially joined the club on May 8.
Lletget made his first start with LA on June 13 in Columbus – he also scored his first goal in that game – and has been a force since. He scored in the 13th minute Wednesday after a fortuitous deflection on a pass from Dan Gargan and then was pushed down from behind by the Timbers’ Maximiliano Urruti in the penalty area five minutes later. Robbie Keane scored on the ensuing kick for a 2-0 lead and the rout was on.
“It was a very good performance,” Arena said of Lletget. “In the early minutes of the game was our best player. He made a bunch of good plays and then ultimately got the first goal.”
Lletget said his goal simply was being in the right place at the right time.
“I was just waiting for it. I think everything was timing,” he said. “I knew the cross was coming, then it was just getting the ball and finishing.
“It wasn’t easy. With those you have to have a good connection and hit it toward the goal, and luckily it went in.”
The Bay Area native estimated he’ll have as many as 50 tickets waiting for family and friends for Saturday’s clash with the San Jose Earthquakes at Stanford Stadium – “It’s ridiculous,” he said with a grin – and said he finally feels comfortable in his new surroundings.
But he admitted it took a while.
“I think the way Bruce managed it … bringing me in slowly, coming on as a sub,” he said. “Then starting against Columbus was good, especially with the goal. It was a good way to start with this team. I felt confident; I just hope to keep it going.”
The Galaxy’s Robbie Keane, who had a goal and two assists Wednesday, has been impressed with the newcomer.
“He’s got some quality,” Keane said. “He’s young, he’s been great and he’s scored a few goals, which is very important to us. He continues to do that and listens to experienced players and know when to run at people, take on people … just keep it simple.
“Already he’s been a big addition."
