With the MLS season in full swing, we’re looking at five players who are trending up that you should keep a close eye on in Matchday 3.
João Klauss (LA Galaxy)
Up next: Saturday, March 7 at Colorado 9:30 pm ET.
With Riqui Puig out for yet another season with his ACL injury, the Galaxy filled his vacated Designated Player spot with João Klauss, a 6-foot-3 striker from St. Louis City. The Brazilian has been a competent goalscorer in MLS, with 28 goals in 81 career appearances.
In Los Angeles, though, his primary role has been as more of a connector. In their 3-0 win over Charlotte last weekend, Coach Greg Vanney dropped midfielder Marco Reus to the bench and played without a No. 10, using a 4-3-3 with two box-to-box midfielders. Klauss bagged two goals, but played a more creative role, dropping into midfield and facilitating the play of wingers Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil.
With Puig, the best creator in MLS, out, Klauss is providing chance creation in a different way from a different position, and so far it’s working.
Justin Che (New York Red Bulls)
Up next: Sunday, March 8 vs. CF Montréal 4:30 pm ET
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