Puig pass to Joveljic is genius. Riqui Puig tears his ACL versus Seattle Sounders and assists the goal to send LA Galaxy to the MLS Cup final. It is extraordinary to watch what he did in these 30 minutes more or less on one leg. It is just such a shame he will miss the MLS cup final.
How Puig leads this pass to the on running Dejan Joveljic for the goal is perfect and amazing, even if he didn’t have a torn ACL!
Watch the Puig pass in the video below. See how he opens up his body and turns to play it with the inside of his foot. And of course this is all with a torn ACL.
Puig is playing at such a high level, you do wonder what would’ve happened if he stayed at Barcelona? If he was able to get more time, he might’ve been able to prove himself. There’s no doubt he would contribute goals and assists. He might’ve had to come off the bench to do it though.
Puig stats this year prove just how valuable and irreplaceable is to the LA Galaxy.
According to TruMedia/Opta, the 2024 member of MLS’ Best XI, Riqui Puig was ranked at No. 1 across all players in the regular season when it came to touches (3,368), pass attempts (2,830), pass completions (2,425) and carries (2,524). He’s also second in the league in through-balls (30), fifth in total shots (107) and tied for seventh in goal contributions (29).
Puig is always in the game. This is a player all young players just starting out should look at as an example. Moreover, because he’s not physically strong or tall or super fast, he’s just clever and smart on the ball.
Diego Fagundez is one player who might be able to help LA Galaxy in Puig’s absence. While he’s only 29 years old, he’s a veteran of the league having played nearly 400 games. Although nobody can replace Puig, he does have the ability to score goals and, overall, a clever style of playing.
Diego Valeri, the Argentine midfielder who played for the Portland Timbers from 2013 to 2021, is regarded as one of the best MLS players of all time. In part for the way he played the game. With such skill and grace.
I think Riqui Puig could go down in MLS history as one of the greats, too. Largely because of the kind of effortless joy he plays the game. Valeri and Puig are able to unlock defenses with a touch or a pass that others wouldn’t see.
“Today begins a new challenge. I will be off the pitch for several months, but am already looking towards and motivated to return stronger than ever and ready to continue making history in this club,” the 25-year-old player wrote on social media. Hopefully Puig comes back rejuvenated and as good as new.
