With the transfer of Marco Reus to Los Angeles Galaxy, not only is another big name in European football moving to the USA.
In doing so, he could make a bold statement that will change the course of his career and the landscape of Major League Soccer.
The 35-year-old former captain of Borussia Dortmund has a long list of achievements, including participation in the World Cup and two awards as German Player of the Year.
The fact that Reus has decided to leave the European stage and move to the bright lights of Hollywood is a big step.
This is no ordinary player in the final stages of his career looking for a soft entry; he has shone in Champions League finals and played a crucial role in some of the biggest competitions.
Unfortunately, he has missed a lot of time due to injury, so it is unclear whether he is up to the high physical demands of Major League Soccer.
Even though Reus has already seen better days at the age of 35, his football IQ and skills remain unbroken.
Los Angeles Galaxy is a club that has been fascinated by stars from the beginning and obviously sees Reus as more than just a big name.
In their estimation, someone with experience and a winning mentality could be the deciding factor for a team that hasn’t won the MLS Cup in over a decade.
Galaxy is looking for a new hero
The Galaxy’s current roster is already loaded with talent. Players like Riqui Puig, Dejan Joveljic, Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil have all shown the ability to turn a game on its head. So where does Reus fit into that picture? His role will likely be that of a veteran leader, the conductor of an attack that has already shown some brilliant approaches.
“First and foremost, he obviously has a lot of quality, but the most important thing is his work ethic,” Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney said at Dignity Health Sports Park.
“It’s his intelligence on the field, his quality in certain phases of the game. He will bring us quality and more finishes, more final passes.”
Vanney’s confidence in the German is evident, especially as he highlighted the German’s set-piece skills: “Set-pieces: I saw him today alone in set-pieces and I think five out of six of them went into the top corner. I don’t think we’ve scored a goal in years from any of those situations.”
What did Reus say about MLS?
There is no denying that MLS can be physically demanding for players, especially those accustomed to the more structured environment of European leagues.
Many European stars struggle to adapt to the demanding schedule, travel and intensity of MLS, and the 35-year-old faces an uphill battle with his injury history. But his commitment to this new chapter is clear.
“I wanted to do something new with my family,” Reus said in German. “In the past, when the opportunity arose, I decided against it, but this time I wanted to take the opportunity to experience something new with my family – a new culture, a new language – and to play for a club that has a vision.”
Reus is well aware of the scepticism surrounding his move, especially from Germany, where MLS is not as well regarded. “To be honest, MLS is not a popular league in Germany,” he admitted. “Of course, when players like Messi come here, they pay more attention. I think this league is great. There are a lot of good players in this league, especially LAFC. I’ve seen a lot of good games so far.”
His words suggest a player who is not only ready to adapt but also eager to prove himself in a new environment. “I have to play first and then I can say what I think of the league… I think the level is good… so far it’s good,” added Reus.
Photo credit: IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire
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