Talking tactics: Which LA Galaxy players are running the show in midfield without Donovan?

To be the best, you have to beat the best – and LA Galaxy are exactly that.

The defending MLS Cup champions are off to a slow start, posting a 1W-1L-2D record, but that’s nothing new for Bruce Arena’s side. And the underlying stats suggest they’re bound to turn things around. 

The Galaxy are among the top five in MLS in each of the following categories: chances created, successful passes, successful crosses, and possession.

That's what makes this team so dangerous. They can hurt you in different ways. 

We know that the Galaxy have big presences in both boxes with the likes of centre back Omar Gonzalez and strikers Robbie Keane and Gyasi Zardes. But who’s pulling the strings from midfield?

Last year, it was Landon Donovan. The U.S. soccer legend led LA with 109 chances created in 2014 – the next closest player had 54. He was also second to only defensive midfielder Juninho in touches. Clearly, he left big shoes to fill.

Based on LA’s first four matches, the players to watch are the two wingers: Stefan Ishizaki and Jose Villarreal. One of the two players have either scored or assisted four of LA's five goals this season.

Ishizaki, who has been playing on the right wing, only has one assist on the season but he has created 11 chances, which is the second highest total in MLS this season. The Swedish midfielder also leads MLS with 10 successful crosses and has the most touches among LA’s attacking players.

The graphic below (courtesy of Squawka) shows where Ishizaki has created his chances from this season. As expected, he's most dangerous from the right corner.

On the left wing, 21-year-old Jose Villarreal has been one of the league’s early breakout stars, recording a goal and two assists through four matches. He’s also second on the team in chances created.

It’s going to be massively important for Vancouver’s wingers and fullbacks to cut off the service from Villarreal and Ishizaki, which in theory, would also limit the impact Keane and Zardes have on the game.

On that note, here are a few important matchups to watch on Saturday at BC Place (click to enlarge). 

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