Last season, Ante Jazic was a consistent contributor for the LA Galaxy, patrolling the left fullback position at The Home Depot Center. This season, however, a Jazic sighting have been a far rarer thing. The Canadian international underwent major ankle surgery in the offseason and has had to slowly work his way back into fitness.
Now healthy, Jazic has earned a place in the Galaxy's starting 11, although at an unfamiliar position. Ruud Gullit has utilized Jazic on the left side of midfield, a role that Jazic has needed to get used to over the past couple of games.
"It's definitely a different role and a big change, but coming off an injury and not having played in a long time, I'm happy to contribute," said Jazic. "Obviously it's an adjustment, but I'm just happy to get on the pitch. Whether that's in midfield, in defense or up front, I'll do what it takes."
The differences between the roles of a midfielder and defender are obvious, and Jazic has already adjusted well having picked up two assists in just three games played. It's some of the non-tactical differences that have taken the most getting used to.
"The biggest difference when you play as a fullback is never having someone behind you when you receive the ball. (In the midfield) you're always having a player behind you and attacking," said Jazic. "In the midfield your decisions have to be a lot quicker. Obviously it's an adjustment, but hopefully we can keep getting positive results."
One of Jazic's teammates is familiar with being asked to play in an unfamiliar role. When Chris Klein arrived in LA, he had spent the majority of his career as a midfielder, but was asked to fill in on the right side of defense because of an injury to Chris Albright. He hasn't missed a game since and talked about the adjustment.
"As you get older you're supposed to move backwards," said Klein jokingly. "Good soccer players are good soccer players, and Ante has proven over his career to be a very good soccer player. We can play him anywhere on the field. He's done very well in the couple of games since he's been back from his injury. For us, it's good to have him back."
It doesn't hurt that Jazic has stepped into the most potent offense in the league. He joked that the offensive side of the ball is working like clockwork, but there is no mistaking the fact that Jazic has transitioned seamlessly into the fold.
"He's done a good job. It takes a little pressure off of him to not have to do so much defending," said Landon Donovan. "He's good on the ball and he's good going forward. Helps us attacking wise, he serves the ball well. He's been good for us."
Jazic is likely to get the start this weekend in D.C. as he continues to become a more permanent fixture in the Galaxy gameday squad. He's been one of the more unheralded performers for LA since joining the club midway through the 2006 season, and being asked to play in a more offensive position might be able to land him a couple headlines of his own over the last half of the season.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
