LA Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig locked in since arrival from Barcelona

Riqui Puig has hit the ground running in Major League Soccer.

His goal and assist in four games for the LA Galaxy have helped the club remain five games undefeated, the longest unbeaten run during the Greg Vanney era. And maybe more importantly, Puig is a summer signing who has arrived with a winning mindset and focus on helping the Galaxy move into position to compete for MLS Cup.

“Well, the truth is that we are very excited, very excited," Puig said in an interview with MLS Español. "I think it's a group that can do great things. I think the team has been reinforced very well in recent months, really, and I think the team trains very well. I think the last four games because we're not conceding as many goals and I think that's very important in this league and the truth is that we're very happy.”

Puig joins defensive midfielder Gaston Brugman and experienced defender Martin Caceres among those reinforcements, all coming at positions of need manager Greg Vanney had pointed out earlier this season.

Every mid-season addition brings the obstacle of adjusting to a new environment. But Puig says he hasn't found this transition particulary difficult.

“Well, the city, the truth is that it is very beautiful, I like it very much. The climate is a bit like Barcelona and in the team, as I have said from day one, the veterans take great care of me, especially since they don't like to be called veterans, but they are the greatest on the team and they are the ones who they take care of me,” Puig in his interview. “Also the young people, because they are treating me very well. I thank the whole team because they are a fantastic group. I think that if we win, it will be even better because we want to do great things and the truth is that I am very happy to be here”.

Puig is a bit unusual in terms of his profile, as a young European prospect who moves to MLS to find the potential for growth But it's one he is embracing. 

“I think it was a change of scene a bit, to live a new experience. I think that also for me and for myself, I think it will be very good to be here for a few years. Also the language and everything I think is very important. As I have said, the league is going to be very competitive in the future. And the truth is that I am very happy to take this step forward that I have done and come here above all and nothing; Well, it is true that it is difficult because I am very far from Barcelona and my family is very far away, but hey, they are going to come and the truth is that thanks to them for being very well and very calm”.

Showtime

Puig was highly regarded coming up in the Barcelona system and had the talent to play with the club, but his playing time was the variable he could not control. And a lack of head coaching consistency didn't help, with a revolving door in the Barcelona manager's job in the past few years.

No such issues here, with Vanney starting the last three games. And Puig has rewarded that decision with excellent passing performances and a nonstop motor when defending. His late game-tying goal against Toronto FC was seen worldwide and a moment that has helped him find his confidence quickly with LA.

“When you have confidence, then things come out," Puig said. "It had been a long time since I had confidence and I haven't gone out on the field and enjoyed myself as I am enjoying now. And the truth is that this is thanks to the team and the coach. I think everything else is going to come by itself."

A visit to Nashville this Saturday represents the biggest test for the Galaxy and Riqui Puig during a five-game unbeaten run. The Spaniard is ready for the challenge on the road.

“I've played two (away) games and I'm already looking forward to the weekend to play another game and so on after each game. The truth is that I really want to show it. I have come here to, to show who I am and to win many titles”, he said.

His energy on and off the pitch has been contagious. The fist pumps and attention to the crowd Puig brought to last weekend’s game versus SKC helped LA fight back and salvage a point.

“I don't like losing. I have come here to win. I am very competitive and it bothers me a lot to lose. I hope we can get into the playoffs,” he said Puig. “I think this is something that the team has to do and more so with the players we have. And if we can win MLS, that would be awesome. In the short term and in the long term the truth is that I train as a player, improve, be a better person, and live this experience to the fullest."