Giovani dos Santos had quite the Sunday.
The new LA Galaxy man put in a star turn in his MLS debut, scoring a goal and adding an assist in the defending MLS Cup champions’ 3-1 win against the Seattle Sounders. After the match, the Mexican international drew praise from a number of parties, including ex-Galaxy star David Beckham.
Beckham attended Sunday’s contest – getting plenty of screen time on ESPN next to celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay – and met dos Santos after the game, even comparing the new Designated Player to a certain USMNT and Galaxy legend in comments made to LA Galaxy TV.
“Bringing Gio in is a massive thing,” said Beckham. “He’s 26-years-old, he’s played at some of the biggest clubs in Europe, he’s a proven goalscorer. For him to come into this league, what he does for Mexico is huge. People love him; he’s a great character, a great goalscorer and a great person as well.”
“He’s the perfect No. 10 to take over from Landon [Donovan],” he added. “Obviously with Landon leaving, the Galaxy needed a No. 10 like him to come in, a proven goal scorer and a great player.”
Meeting Beckham was a thrill for dos Santos, who spoke after the match about his chance to meet the global soccer superstar.
“It’s an honor and it gives me a lot of pride to have a player of his stature show his support,” Dos Santos said. “Players like David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Robbie Keane that praise my decision to play here makes me feel very happy and honored.”
