ProSoccerTalk’s Richard Farley says … Robbie Keane
Let’s put aside the fact that Keane was the league’s best player over its final three months. But Richard, you might say, that seems important. Just bear with me, because when the LA Galaxy get off to a decent start in their two Donovan-less months, we’re going to look at Keane’s contributions and build an early case for the 33-year-old Irishman. And as his numbers stay strong throughout the season, we’ll stop talking about his MVP case only to come back in October and say, “Gee, this was kind of a foregone conclusion, wasn’t it?”
ProSoccerTalk’s Noah Davis says … Landon Donovan
I know, I know he’s not going to play right away. But think about it: A rested and rejuvenated Donovan, who — oh-by-the-way — might want to prove a point or seven to the haters, remains the league’s most dangerous weapon, especially with the growing talent around him. David Beckham went bye bye in the off-season, which means the duty to create will fall directly on those newly lightened shoulders of Donovan. Robbie Keane, Mike Magee, and on-the-verge-of-breaking-out Jose Villarreal will be the recipients. Next year, Bruce Arena will hold preseason in Cambodia.
(MORE: full roster of ProSoccerTalk’s Major League Soccer previews and predictions)
ProSoccerTalk’s Steve Davis says … Omar Gonzalez
There’s a ton of fascinating possibilities, from the old reliables (Thierry Henry, Chris Wondolowski, Dwayne De Rosario, Robbie Keane) to the relative MLS newbies (Federico Higuain, Diego Valeri) to some really intriguing wild cards (Chris Pontius … yeah, I said that.)
And would anybody be super-shocked to see Landon Donovan come back and, if properly motivated, raise the Galaxy to another level in his belated April entrance, directing some serious MVP discussion his way? Clearly, Noah would not be.
But I’m throwing my money behind Galaxy center back Omar Gonzalez, the best guy on the field in December’s MLS Cup and the real savior behind the champs’ 2012 season, which had gone all kind of wrong before the commanding U.S. international arrived back from injury to put things right.
