Steven Gerrard will be unveiled to LA Galaxy fans during Saturday’s home match versus Toronto FC, with the crowd at the StubHub Center sure to erupt into a frenzy. The Liverpool legend’s arrival could push a surging Galaxy team over the top. Gerrard will make an immeasurable impact on and off the field, but he is not the only newcomer that has LA poised for a run at a sixth MLS Cup. That other newcomer is Sebastian Lletget—a 22-year-old midfielder who signed with the club in May and is making an exceedingly strong case for a permanent spot in Bruce Arena’s starting XI. The California native has three goals in just six appearances for the Galaxy.
Five years ago, a 16-year-old Sebastian Lletget signed his first professional contract with English Premiership side West Ham United. One year later, he was nearing a shot with the first team. Just as Lletget was on the cusp of a breakthrough, West Ham made a managerial change—sacking Avram Grant in favor of Sam Allardyce. The move left Lletget on the outside looking in for four years. He didn’t make a single appearance for the club, nor was he afforded playing time on loan. Lletget spoke about the dark side of making a move to Europe as a teenager with Extra Time Radio two weeks ago (LISTEN HERE).
Five years ago, a 16-year-old Sebastian Lletget signed his first professional contract with English Premiership side West Ham United. One year later, he was nearing a shot with the first team. Just as Lletget was on the cusp of a breakthrough, West Ham made a managerial change—sacking Avram Grant in favor of Sam Allardyce. The move left Lletget on the outside looking in for four years. He didn’t make a single appearance for the club, nor was he afforded playing time on loan. Lletget spoke about the dark side of making a move to Europe as a teenager with Extra Time Radio two weeks ago (LISTEN HERE).
“It’s very difficult. I think people underestimate how difficult it actually is. You don’t have anybody holding your hand. You’re playing with men. You’re playing with Premier League players. Even though it’s a very good standard, it’s tough. It’s tough to break in…These clubs have money, so they can just buy new players. It just makes it that much harder.” He doesn’t discourage other kids from making the same move, however: “I think it’s easy to say ‘I should’ve done this’, but at the time it was the best opportunity I could think of and you’d be foolish not to take it.
Now back in his home state, Lletget’s career is trending in the right direction, and there’s no telling where his ceiling is. Although his signing didn’t come with the fanfare that Gerrard’s will, his arrival could prove to be just as valuable for an LA team that lost both Landon Donovan and Marcelo Sarvas.
Now back in his home state, Lletget’s career is trending in the right direction, and there’s no telling where his ceiling is. Although his signing didn’t come with the fanfare that Gerrard’s will, his arrival could prove to be just as valuable for an LA team that lost both Landon Donovan and Marcelo Sarvas.
By: Editor
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