CARSON, Calif. – The LA Galaxy’s 2016 was a tumultuous one filled with brilliant goals and frustrating moments for Bruce Arena’s men, ultimately ending in a penalty kick shootout defeat in the Western Conference Semifinals.
As we look back on 2016, LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano will provide a review of each position. The LA Galaxy Insider Year in Review will begin with goalkeepers and then move up the field to defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Several select players will also have their own review, based on the number of appearances made.
SEBASTIAN LLETGET
APPEARANCES IN ALL OFFICIAL COMPETITIONS:
Games Played: 40 (31 in MLS regular season, three in MLS Cup Playoffs, four in U.S. Open Cup, two CONCACAF Champions League)
Games Started: 28 (23 in MLS regular season, three in MLS Cup Playoffs, two in U.S. Open Cup)
GOALS: 5 (four in U.S. Open Cup and on in MLS regular season)
ASSISTS: 9 (eight in MLS regular season and one in U.S. Open Cup)
HIGHLIGHTS:
If Sebastian Lletget burst onto the scene in 2015 due to his flashy play then in 2016, the talented attacker showed that he could develop into a well-rounded contributor.
The 24-year-old led all Galaxy players in appearances with a whopping 40 across all competitions. Thanks to his superior conditioning, Lletget was able to play in all but three matches for the Galaxy in the entirety of the 2016 campaign.
Lletget began the season on the wings but was moved to central midfield after the departure of Nigel de Jong and after a lengthy injury to Steven Gerrard. Central midfield proved to be a natural fit for Lletget who quickly developed into a skilled playmaker. The 23-year-old’s passing ability was well-suited for the role as Lletget ended the year completing nearly 88 percent of his passes.
Lletget flourished during the Galaxy’s run to the U.S. Open Cup semifinal. The 24-year-old was a major reason the club advanced so far with four goals and one assist during the team’s campaign—including a brace against Seattle Sounders FC in the quarterfinal round.
LOWLIGHTS:
Sebastian Lletget’s emerged into a top contributor for the Galaxy, but the 24-year-old is hardly a finished product.
Known for his link up play and ability to dribble his way out of danger, Lletget came under criticism multiple times throughout the year for not being aggressive enough in front of goal. Former Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena stated multiple times that Lletget needed to take more shots when the opportunity arises.
Like the rest of his teammates, Lletget saw his form dip during the month of October as the Galaxy slipped down the standings. In particular, Lletget struggled to make an impact when matched against Colorado Rapids midfielder Jermaine Jones during the Galaxy’s postseason defeat. As Lletget develops into a central midfielder, he’ll need to make more of an impact when facing off against players of Jones’ ilk.
OVERVIEW:
Ahead of the 2017 season, Sebastian Lletget is expected to see his responsibilities rise with the LA Galaxy in transition.
After the departures of Steven Gerrard and Robbie Keane, the Galaxy are in need offensive complements for Gyasi Zardes and Giovani dos Santos which figures to open the door to added responsibility for Lletget. Whether placed out wide or his new position in central midfield, Lletget is poised to play a significant role in the Galaxy's new-look offense.
Galaxy president Chris Klein went as far to mention Lletget as a building block for the team heading into next season, alongside the likes of Zardes, Dos Santos, and Jelle Van Damme.
If Lletget flourishes next season, it's not unrealistic that he could find his way into the national team under new head coach Bruce Arena. Lletget has long been considered one of the top contenders for the national team not to get a call and with his former Galaxy boss now at the helm, the talented attacker could have a way to the national team.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
