CARSON, Calif. – The LA Galaxy bolstered their midfield on Friday with the signing of veteran French midfielder Laurent Courtois.
Formerly of Chivas USA, the versatile wide midfielder will be eligible for selection starting with Saturday’s match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC at StubHub Center. Courtois brings a wealth of experience to the Galaxy midfield as the Frenchman is a veteran of top clubs in Spain, France, and England.
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Courtois drew high marks from the Galaxy coaching staff during his two-week training stint with the team as well as during his 45 minute appearance for the Galaxy reserves last week. With the club preparing to play a considerable number of matches in the coming weeks and months, Courtois believes that he’ll have plenty of chances to contribute.
“I just signed this morning and I’m really excited, and really happy. I just look forward to seeing what I can add to the team especially because there are so many games coming,” Courtois said after training on Friday. “I can bring a different profile on the wings, but I can definitely be helpful with so many games coming. I know that I have a lot of experience and I’m creative, so I look forward to seeing what I can bring to the team to help them get results.”
Signed by Chivas USA in August of 2011, Courtois appeared in 33 games while scoring three goals and one assist until he was released by the Rojiblancos in June. During his time with Chivas, Courtois played on both sides of the midfield while also seeing time as an outside back.
With the Galaxy eager for depth out wide, LA head coach Bruce Arena is expected to utilize the Frenchman as a wide midfielder. This means that he’ll join the likes of Colin Clark, Landon Donovan, Hector Jimenez, and Robbie Rogers in the battle for playing time out wide.
Where Courtois ends up playing is irrelevant to the Frenchman, however, as he feels like he can provide something different no matter where he’s stationed.
“Before coming to this league, I spent the last two years on the right side because it’s more based on my ability and decision making. When I’m wide on the left, it’s more about the dynamic part of my game and the fact that I can provide service,” said Courtois. “It’s a different game for me on either side because I feel like a totally different player, but I like both. It’s what I’ve been doing all my life and I really look forward to contributing to the Galaxy.”
The midfielder admits that he’ll still have to build his fitness up before he can challenge for a spot in the Galaxy’s starting XI, but he’s optimistic that he can make an impact with the team soon.
“I need to work a little bit on my aerobic side and I need to get a little bit more rhythm [with the team], but I feel great,” said Courtois. “I feel dynamic and strong. I think that I can be helpful as a sub and work my way up. I’m really looking forward to passing the ball with those guys and seeing what happens.”
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
