PHILADELPHIA – The LA Galaxy already have a roster stacked with young attacking talent but with their 21st overall selection in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft, the Galaxy could pass up the opportunity to add another by drafting Iona’s Ignacio Maganto.
Maganto, 22, joins the Galaxy with an impressive resume that includes five years in the academy of Spanish club Getafe, a brief trial with Manchester City, and a total of 27 goals in four years at Iona College in New York City.
The 22-year-old Spanish citizen describes himself as a “collective player” and one who can operate in a variety of attacking positions including as a second striker or out wide and Maganto is eager to make a name for himself with the Galaxy.
“It’s very special to be selected by one of the biggest teams in the country and having the chance to play with amazing players is going to be awesome,” Maganto said. “Hopefully I can help the team and I’m going to try my best to fit into the squad and help them in whatever way that they need. I know that I have good vision and I believe that I can make those final passes, and score goals, which should help.”
Although his performance in the combine saw his stock rise, Maganto was by no means an unknown in MLS circles. Following his senior season with the Gaels, Maganto spent time training with incoming MLS side New York City FC—who were targeting the Spaniard in the second round— even striking up a friendship with countryman David Villa during his time with NYCFC.
Despite being the 21st overall selection and a player predicted by many draft experts to fall into the second round, Maganto’s head coach Fernando Barboto was bullish in his assertion that the Galaxy unearthed a hidden gem.
“He was the most talented attacking player in college soccer this year. There may be bigger and faster guys, but his skill set is second to none in college soccer,” Barboto, who mentioned that Maganto opted to go to Iona rather than sign a contract with Getafe’s B team, told LAGalaxy.com. “When I saw him in Spain, I knew that he was a lights-out player.
“What separates him from the pack is his speed of play and his ability to turn, cross, pass, and shoot at speed. He has that ability and It’s quite special.”
In his rookie season, Maganto figures to be more likely to be utilized with USL PRO affiliate LA Galaxy II than the first team, but as he prepares to head west, the Spaniard admits that he’s simply eager to learn from the Galaxy’s bevy of stars.
“It’s going to unbelievable to learn from Robbie Keane. I want to learn from him and observe what he does then try to do my best to step up and do big things for the club,” said Maganto. “Whatever the team needs, I want to provide.”
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
