The Puzzle Pieces Coming Together for the Galaxy

The pieces to the puzzle are slowly starting to be put together as the Galaxy have made what looks to be like a few key signings over the past few weeks.

Although the roster itself is still somewhat incomplete, there has certainly been some progress made in terms of filling in the spaces that have been lacking.

Let us take a further look at a potential starting XI for the Galaxy up until this point.

A projected starting lineup using a 4-2-3-1 formation…

Goalkeeper: Jonathan Bond

Although there was some speculation of Jonathan Klinsmann competing for the starting position in goal, Bond’s overall experience and age would likely be a determining factor for banking money on him being the starting goalkeeper.

Backline: Julian Araujo, Daniel Steres, Giancarlo Gonzalez, Jorge Villafana

After a break-out season last year and now with Rolf Feltscher gone, Julian Araujo can solidify his position as starting right back and continue to turn heads. Rumor also has it that Italian powerhouse Juventus is keeping an eye on the 19-year-old.

Daniel Steres has consistently been a starting in the Galaxy’s defensive lineup and one of the longest-tenured players on the Galaxy since the Bruce Arena era, and this is not likely to change.

Next is Giancarlo Gonzalez. While this is up for debate, Greg Vanney will likely choose Pipo Gonzalez to start as the Galaxy have invested a significant amount of money into the Costa Rican international through a TAM deal. Although he has not been a darling in the fans’ eyes, the defender had a couple of solid performances last year. Could he be given another chance? If not, it sounds like Derrick Williams could be taking that starting position when he returns to full form.

Finally, Jorge Villafana will be taking place as left-back after the departure of Emiliano Insua. Villafana brings good experience to the team as he was a key player on the Portland Timbers squad last season. There now appears to be some stability and, surprisingly, some depth in the defense.

Midfield: Jonathan Dos Santos, Sebastian Lletget, Samuel Grandsir, Victor Vasquez, and TBD

The additions of Samuel Grandsir and Victor Vasquez are some of the strongest signings up to this point for the Galaxy. Greg Vanney has spoken highly of Vasquez since he has previously played with him in Toronto, and his excitement for him coming to LA raises speculation that he plans to have him as a starter. Additionally, it appears that Grandsir will be covering the right-wing as the young Frenchman is likely to have the starting role after coming from Ligue 1 side AS Monaco.

Dos Santos is coming off a struggling season after battling injuries and form and ready to prove his worth once again, while Lletget had a strong 2020 and has been performing well for both club and country.

With the Cristian Pavon situation still uncertain, the left-wing position is still to be determined.