CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy first round SuperDraft selection Ignacio Maganto played his way to a contract with a strong preseason, but the 23-year-old Spanish midfielder isn’t stopping there as he’s eager to make an impact for the first team in his rookie season.
The Galaxy officially signed their 2015 MLS SuperDraft first round pick on Friday after a successful preseason stint that saw Maganto start two of the club’s seven preseason matches. Although the stylish winger put in a confident performance during the preseason, Maganto admitted to feeling a bit more at ease in training after putting pen to paper for the Galaxy.
“I’m just really happy,” Maganto told LAGalaxy.com on Friday. “This is everything that I’ve been waiting for and now I’m more relaxed. I can just do my thing to help the team. I’m ready to go. I’ve shown that I can fit into the team and I’m ready to help when they need me.”
During the preseason, Maganto was used primarily along the left side of midfield for the first team while during a brief stint with Galaxy II, he also saw time as an attacking central midfielder. In both stints, Maganto’s speed and his ability on the ball an impression on the Galaxy coaching staff.
“He’s had a very good preseason for us. We saw over the last two or three weeks that he’s really picked it up and played well,” Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena said. “He’s a player that has the potential to make our 18 in given weeks. We’re really pleased to have him.”
Arena wasn’t the only one to sing Maganto’s praises as veteran Galaxy midfielder Juninho echoed his coach’s sentiment.
“He’s got a lot of skills. He’s a mobile guy and he likes to be in the attack,” said Juninho. “He’s going to give Bruce a lot of options and I hope that he’ll have success here.”
Even if the young Spanish midfielder is unable to crack the first team, Galaxy II head coach Curt Onalfo already has his eyes on giving Maganto plenty of playing time with Los Dos in the coming months.
“He’s got a really good approach, he’s a very talented player, and he can play a variety of positions,” said Onalfo. “He’s a great pick up for the organization and someone that will continue to develop and do good things for both the Galaxy and Galaxy II.”
But no matter where Maganto plays, the rookie is eager to jump into his first season with the club.
“My goal is to play with the first team, but if I can get minutes with Galaxy II then I’d be happy to do so. Wherever they need me, I’ll be there ready to play,” said Maganto. “I’m here to learn and also help the team.”
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
