CARSON, Calif. -- When the U.S. National Team trained at StubHub Center earlier this month, there was one other player who had a connection to the LA Galaxy other than homegrown products Oscar Sorto and Gyasi Zardes -- 20-year-old Liverpool midfielder Marc Pelosi.
The German-born midfielder who grew up in Northern California has drawn comparisons to the newest member of the LA Galaxy, midfielder Steven Gerrard who will join the reigning MLS Cup champions this July.
“To be honest, everyone was kind of shocked he was coming over here, just because they thought he would finish his career in Liverpool,” said Pelosi. “I think it's a good move for him, because, like he said, he doesn't want to have any regrets when he finishes his career, saying, "Oh, I wish I did that or that."
Although anyone would forgive the youngster for being starry-eyed around the lifetime Liverpool man, Pelosi says that on the inside, Gerrard takes an active approach in reaching out to young players.
"Like everyone always says, "Oh, he's a great role model." But from the inside, the first time I went to train with the first team, when I was 17, he was the first one that came up to me and was asking, "Oh, where are you from? How you doing? How's it going over here?" said Pelosi. “When he was younger, he played right wing and stuff, but now he's kind of dropped more into the middle and holding a little bit, just directing the game like he does. But, of course, most midfielders in the world try to play their games [similar to] Steven Gerrard, because he's one of the best midfielders in the world.”
