Can Greg Vanney just start Dejan Joveljic already? In 2022, Dejan Joveljic scored 11 goals despite starting just seven games. Most of these goals came in his 25 substitute appearances. Chicharito led the way, scoring 18 goals. DP Douglas Costa scored four, and Riqui Puig added three along with five assists in just ten appearances. The Galaxy had an incredibly streaky season, but in the end, their 16-10-8 record was good enough to finish in fourth place in the Western Conference. Their playoff run ended at the hands of their Los Angeles rivals in their second playoff match. In the first round, they knocked off Nashville SC 1-0. In 2022, they will look to build off their singular playoff win and extend their run further.
Though, their quiet off-season does not exactly inspire a ton of confidence. LA Galaxy have completed just two signings at this point, adding Memo Rodriguez from the Houston Dynamo, as well as Chris Mavinga from Toronto FC. Memo is a long-time Dynamo midfielder/winger that will bring some much-needed depth to the Galaxy. With that being said, the midfield depth is still a bit thin. Chris Mavinga has a chance to start at center back, but it is assumed that he will be a depth piece behind Caceres and Coulibaly. Jalen Neal, who made his USMNT debut before his MLS debut, may also get some looks in the Galaxy defense. While not announced yet, Tyler Boyd is expected to join the LA Galaxy soon as well. The most confusing situation of the off-season was Julian Araujo's transfer to FC Barcelona. The papers were reportedly submitted 18 seconds after La Liga's deadline closed, but Barca still plans on bringing him in. It seems that he is owned by Barcelona at this time, and is no longer a member of the Galaxy. Both French wingers in Kevin Cabral (Colorado Rapids) and Samuel Grandsir (Le Havre) have departed from the club. Victor Vazquez returned to his former club, Toronto FC. While researching for this article, I spotted former TFC midfielder Noble Okello on the official roster, but apparently MLS/LA Galaxy have made a mistake, and he is currently on trial with New England Revolution. Anyway, there is still time for more signings, but the Galaxy need to move quickly.
It is still truly a mystery what LA Galaxy will look like in their first match at the Rose Bowl. They have gotten rid of most of their wingers, but Douglas Costa is still on the team. Costa may have to tuck into a more narrow role if they plan on starting Marky Delgado and Gaston Brugman as well. Efrain Alvarez has an outside chance to start as well. Tyler Boyd likely coming in also makes this whole winger situation even more interesting. This all depends on if Greg Vanney will just stick the rising star, Dejan Joveljic, up top in a strike partnership with Chicharito. The look of the midfield/wingers will follow. Understandably so, some concern lies around the Galaxy's chances in 2023 as a result of questionable off-season. Nevertheless, the attack has quality all over. Goals will come, it's really more of a question if they can keep goals out of their own net. The lack of depth will provide massive opportunities for young players to carve out larger roles for themselves.
Projected XI:
GK: Bond
DEF: Edwards, Caceres, Coulibaly, Leerdam
MID: Brugman, Delgado, Costa, Puig
FWD: Joveljic, Chicharito
Off-Season Grade: C-
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