Incoming MLS club Los Angeles FC has a deal to make Mexico attacker Carlos Vela its first designated player, according to the Los Angeles Times. The report is a bit surprising considering Vela is preparing for his seventh season with Real Sociedad.
Let’s be honest, though. Vela was going to land in MLS sooner than later. And there is no doubt he will be an instant hit with Los Angeles FC. Despite the fact that the LA franchise doesn’t even have a full roster yet, it’s not a stretch to foresee Vela as their best player once the 2018 MLS season kicks off.
There are several reasons why Vela will become an instant hit in the MLS. Here are some:
A Proven Player In Europe’s Top Scenario
First of all, there is his quality. He is clearly a few steps above the average striker in the league. Even though he won’t play an MLS minute in quite a while, he is already one of the top attacking options in the league. He should be in the conversation of the Best Forward in the League with players such as Jozy Altidore, Kei Kamara, Cyle Larin or Josef Martinez.
The big difference Vela has in comparison to the aforementioned players is that Vela knows what’s like to be successful in Europe. The Mexican star thrived in Real Sociedad and also played for Arsenal when he was younger. He has been successful in both countries, and nothing suggests he won’t make it on U.S. soil as well. Remember, Vela is only 28. He’s an attacker entering his prime, which means LAFC will get his best years. And that could be enough to make a difference.
He Should Have An Even Bigger Impact Off The Field
Vela will not only thrive in the field for LAFC. He has the potential to be an even bigger hit on the merchandising aspect. Let’s remember a 36% of the Mexican-American community lives in California. That alone makes Vela a great signing to boost the club’s merchandise sales.
There’s also the rivalry with Los Angeles Galaxy. Aside from competing on the field, now both franchises will get the chance to compete off of it as well. And it doesn’t hurt the fact that three of the Mexico’s NT icons will play in LA in 2018. There’s a war about to be unleashed in Los Angeles.
His Arrival Proves LAFC Want To Contend Soon
As we stated above, Los Angeles FC does not have a full roster yet. But that doesn’t really matter. Having a player like Vela should provide a huge boost to the franchise, and there is no doubt the Mexican international has the potential to be one of the top players in the league as soon as he makes his competitive debut.
Remember how good Giovani dos Santos, Sebastian Giovinco, and Martinez looked in their debuts? Well, there are similar expectations for Vela. He should be an impact player for LAFC right from the s, and it’s easy to imagine him as a dynamic, game-changing presence.
And that’s what LAFC needs. The whole idea of a Designated Player is to sign someone who can make a difference both on and off the pitch. Chicago did it with Bastian Schweinsteiger. New York City FC have one in David Villa. And LA Galaxy have Jonathan and Gio dos Santos.
As soon as the Vela deal is confirmed, we can add LAFC to the list. There’s no reason to believe the Mexican star won’t be an absolute hit in the MLS next season.