CARSON, Calif. – Giovani dos Santos is one of the hottest players in Major League Soccer and starting to earn buzz for the league’s Most Valuable Player award from a pair of former winners on his team.
The 27-year-old leads Los Angeles in goals scored with 14 this season and is tied with Steven Gerrard for the team’s assist lead with 11 assists. Dos Santos is one of only two players—Toronto FC playmaker and reigning MLS MVP Sebastian Giovinco—with double-digit goals and assists this season.
The Mexican striker’s goal total is currently the fourth highest in Major League Soccer, while his assist tally places him in a three-way tie with Gerrard and FC Dallas’ Mauro Diaz. With Dos Santos playing as well as he has in a Galaxy jersey, his teammates, and his head coach have taken notice.
“This is the player that I knew when we signed him and his strengths. He’s obviously bringing that quality,” Galaxy captain Robbie Keane said. “He did this last year, and for some reason, people were on his back, but if you looked at him last year, his stats were the same. He’s been brilliant, and it’s important that he continues to carry that on in the next five games and the playoffs.
Added Bruce Arena, “He’s done well. He’s starting to grow up. We’ve seen over the last month or two that he’s growing as a player. It’s been great to see. [His growth is due to his] confidence, comfort, gaining experience and understanding his team and the league and what we’re asking him to do. He’s picking up in every area.”
Not only has Dos Santos put up big numbers, but he’s also played a significant role in the Galaxy’s recent ascent up the standings with either a goal or an assist on the club’s last seven goals. When Dos Santos finds the back of the net this season, a Galaxy win typically follows with the club earning an 8-1-6 record in the 15 games that the Mexican striker has registered a goal.
According to another former MLS MVP, Landon Donovan, if Dos Santos keeps up his electric pace then he’ll earn consideration for the honor named after the Galaxy legend.
“Let’s see how it goes,” Donovan said. “He’s quietly racked up a lot of goals and assists in the first part of the season, and now it’s becoming pretty obvious that he’s a big part of this team especially in the games where Robbie’s not here, he’s stepped up, and that’s been really impressive. Let’s see how it goes. If we keep winning, there’s a chance.”
Although Donovan and Keane were quick to praise Dos Santos’ MVP credentials, the 27-year-old striker isn’t too worried about his place in the MVP race.
“I don’t think about it,” Dos Santos said. “I just think [about] winning games and this year my goal is to be a champion with my team.”
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
