Following the Los Angeles Galaxy's home opening win against San Jose last Thursday, the headlines and stories were dominated by the play of David Beckham and Landon Donovan. The pair each contributed a goal and assist in guiding the Galaxy to a 2-0 win.
However, it was the play of a handful of unheralded players that really caught the eye of head coach Ruud Gullit.
"Everyone always asks me about David and about Landon. Everybody knows them already," said Gullit. "For me, it's important to talk about the other players who have done extremely well for us."
From day one, the Dutchman has said that the best players will play, regardless of who they were and how much experience they had. Gullit's hand was forced a bit last week due to injuries and suspensions, meaning a handful of rookies were forced to make a significant contribution.
"I want to give a compliment especially to the youngsters who played. I think Sean (Franklin) played extremely well. Brandon McDonald was excellent also," said Gullit. "Ely (Allen) did a good job. He could have scored a goal."
Franklin, McDonald and Allen are all rookies. Franklin was making his first professional appearance in a start on Thursday, McDonald was making his second appearance and first start, and Allen was starting for the second game in a row.
Franklin was starting in the center of defense, replacing Abel Xavier, who was suspended due to a red card he picked up in the Galaxy's season-opening loss in Colorado. Franklin stepped in and didn't miss a beat and will make Gullit's decision on whom to start in the back a difficult one.
"I was extremely happy with Sean. He was really, really good," said Gullit. "He was heading the ball to our midfield players. He also had composure on the ball. He was quick. For the first time playing, that was good."
For McDonald, Gullit's praise dated back to the preseason. McDonald appears to have inside track on a regular place in the Galaxy starting 11 and it stems from a friendly game played in the locker room this winter.
"We were playing a game of two-touch and (McDonald) was very eager to win. That means that we have a player that is a winner, and wants to be a winner," said Gullit. "He has something that is there. It's just a matter of coaching him, teaching him what to do. He was a little bit nervous for the first 20 minutes. He was looking for his position. Tactically he did exactly what he needed to do. Now it's just a matter of getting used to the position."
For now, the Galaxy's young players are stepping in to fill some gaps. Their play has made Gullit much more comfortable about doing so, especially considering how much more he'll have to rely on his younger guys as the grind of the MLS season wears on. Their experience in just two games already has shown Gullit has no problem playing his rookies in important matches. "I'm not afraid to play the young players if they're good enough," said Gullit. "The only way to get a little bit of experience is to play."
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
