Who's progressing and regressing in their development for the LA Galaxy?

The Greg Vanney Era in Los Angeles has brought lots of roster movement since it commenced at the start of 2021. Vanney added 11 new players in 2021 and nine new players in 2022. The Galaxy missed the playoffs in his first season and are currently part of the Western Conference’s playoff fight.

Today, as we wait for the season to resume Saturday with a match at Stanford Stadium against the San Jose Earthquakes, let's go through the players that have progressed their game in 2022 and those who took a step back or have not taken the leap forward expected from their 2021 season form. 

Sega Coulibaly, defender

The French defender’s first season in MLS was a struggle, as injuries and poor form kept him out of the lineup in 2021. Vanney brought the Frenchman to pair with Derrick Williams and be the new center back duo, but there were still some problems on the defensive end. There needed to be some progress in how his game developed in his second season with the club.

Coulibaly has been the most improved player for the LA Galaxy this year. In 2021, he struggled to keep up with players running in behind him and more agile players found their ways around him. This season, he’s improved at tracking runners and being better in possession of the ball. The highlight of the season so far was his perfectly timed tackle in Austin against Sebastian Driussi.

His 91.4% passing completion percentage is one of the highest in the league and helps with how Greg Vanney likes to build possession starting from the goalkeeper. Keeping healthy and in form will be a huge boost to a potential playoff run for the LA Galaxy.

Daniel Aguirre, midfielder

The 23-year-old midfield has shown in his few games in the midfield that he can contribute at the MLS level for the LA Galaxy. Although he won’t light up the stat sheet during his appearances, his play on the pitch has improved. 

As Ryan Raveloson was in the midst of a transfer back to Europe and a wait for Riqui Puig’s P-1 Visa, Aguirre stepped up and provided what Greg Vanney was looking for in the midfield — keeping play simple, ability to keep and maintain possession, and covering ground. He’s recorded one goal and three assists in 367 minutes played so far. 

Aguirre has shown to be a starting-level player and someone that can be used in the case of injuries or suspensions. With Sacha Kljestan and Victor Vazquez near the tail end of their careers, he’s likely going to be part of Greg Vanney’s future plans.

Dejan Joveljić, striker

The Serbian striker was a buy for the future and also to plug in immediately for an injured Chicharito when the club acquired him from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer. He scored two goals and recorded two assists in 2021 with 720 minutes played, both goals coming in the 3-3 thriller game against LAFC.

As 2022 began, the focus became how much he would play and whether he could be another goal-scoring threat for what had been a heavily-reliant Chicharito team. As 2022 comes to an end, we’ve got the answer to both questions.

As the season progressed, Joveljić has been much more effective coming off the bench as extra firepower to the attack or as a super sub for Chicharito. As a bench piece, the Serbian has scored seven goals and notched three assists. His two-goal and two-assist performance in 34 minutes showed the full capabilities he can bring to the LA Galaxy. As a starter, however, he’s scored just three goals and the Galaxy won just one of those seven games. 

The Galaxy is a better team with a sole striker forward and pacey wingers out wide. Chicharito has been the most important player on the Galaxy, which means Joveljić will have to start on the bench instead of playing with the Mexican striker. Vanney has tried different formations and tactical adjustments, but his team hasn’t found consistent success with both up top.

With Chicharito’s guaranteed contract up at end of the season, the Galaxy already has a striker for now and the future.    

Efraín Álvarez, midfielder 

It’s been an underwhelming season for Efraín Álvarez, to say the least. His wonder goal against Charlotte FC has been his highlight of the season but he hasn't contributed much since then. His three goals and four assists are the highest tally he’s had in a season during his career, but those stats don’t show improvement on the field. 

Álvarez has started games as a right attacking midfielder but never found a strong stretch of games to build on that. Coming off the bench has seen Álvarez be a more effective player and score three goals and two assists. Teams know that Alvarez is very dependent on his left foot and can be taken out of the game when pressed quickly in possession.  

In his third full season with LA, Álvarez hasn't made the breakthrough observers were expecting. He’s come off the bench in the last seven of the last 11 games for the Galaxy. Although he is 19, he’s still yet to put together a consistent run of play in his MLS career. 

Julian Araujo, defender 

The 21-year-old Mexican national team player still remains one of the top right backs in the league but the lack of improvement from 2021 remains a negative. Araujo’s attacking work rate is his best attribute, getting up and down on the right side of the pitch and crossing balls into the box from the final third. 

Araujo’s defensive positioning has been the main area that needs improving. Vanney has indirectly called out the fullbacks during the season, stating, “We're making mistakes in our outside backs positions that have cost us points.” Being aware of your position and of the opponent can cut out potential counter attacks and a team exploiting space.

It’s the one area that Araujo needs to work on but he’s still getting interested from clubs in Europe. He’s capable of improving his crossing and defensive positioning to continue elevating his game. His recent game against Colorado was a refresher of what makes Araujo a wanted talent.

Kevin Cabral, forward

It’s been a disappointing second year for Cabral on the pitch. He gets into really good spaces and makes clever runs but can’t finish off plays. It’s become a common sight during this year and his first year in MLS. 

In 2021, he recorded five goals and two assists compared to one goal and three assists so far this season. Cabral’s finishing continues to be what stains his work off the ball.

Vanney praises the work on defense, his runs that can stretch out the backline, and speed that helps the Galaxy elevate their attack and chance creation. Given that he's a Designated Player, people will be expecting goal scoring and elite production from him. He leads the league in the underperforming non-penalty xG at -3.7 through 30 games this campaign.