Riqui Puig praises LA Galaxy's game-changing transfers

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·25 October 2024

Riqui Puig praises LA Galaxy's game-changing transfers

While Inter Miami, bolstered by superstars like Lionel Messi, has garnered much of the spotlight, the LA Galaxy has its own shining star in Riqui Puig, a product of Barcelona’s prestigious academy.

The 25-year-old midfielder has made a tremendous impact, netting 13 goals and providing 16 assists, which propelled the Galaxy to a commendable second-place finish in the Western Conference.

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Riqui Puig praises LA Galaxy's game-changing transfers

This season, Puig has emerged as a dominant force in the midfield, leading the league in touches and attempted passes. His performances reflect the promise he showcased during his time at Barcelona, melding seamlessly with his aspirations in MLS.

However, his transition to the Galaxy wasn’t without challenges. Puig remarked to CBS Sports:

"Always when you come from Barcelona, the expectations are really high. I think that people are waiting for something from me that I cannot give to the fans. This year has been one of the best seasons of my life, and I'm really happy and proud."

After a solid but inconsistent first season in 2023, Puig has seen significant improvement this year. He doubled his goal and assist totals, averaging 20 more touches and passes per game while maintaining a passing accuracy of approximately 86%.

"This year, we have really good pieces. With players like Pec and Paintsil, the team has improved tremendously. It's easier for me to perform with runners up top. Last year, injuries plagued us, but this season has been different."

Puig’s career-best season has enabled the Galaxy to rebound from their disappointing 14th-place finish last year.

This turnaround has been made possible by a refined possession-based style of play that has maximized the team’s attacking talents, including Pec’s impressive 16 goals and 12 assists.

As Puig settles into his role in MLS, he has also adapted to life off the pitch, learning to navigate Los Angeles' notorious traffic while finding his on-field identity in a league characterized by its chaotic nature.

On top of that, the Spanish player has been showing off his skills in MLS and has recently caught the eye of a few European clubs, like Valencia, Villarreal CF, Girona FC, and even FC Barcelona.

For now, Puig and the LA Galaxy are focused on the upcoming 2024 playoffs. Their next challenge is against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday, October 26, where they will aim to reclaim their winning momentum and push toward championship glory.