MLS

Dejan Joveljic has become the LA Galaxy’s best striker

The Serbian international helped the Los Angeles Galaxy end a three-game losing streak with a 2-0 win over Atlanta United over the weekend.

Darren AbateEFE

Dejan Joveljic has become a lethal striker for the Los Angeles Galaxy, who have been struggling throughout the 2022 Major League Soccer campaign. The Serbian international netted his ninth goal of the season in the Galaxy’s 2-0 shutout win over Atlanta United over the weekend.

The team with the most league titles snapped a three-game losing streak and Joveljic became the fourth player in Galaxy history to score in six consecutive home games. The Serbian joined Zlatan Ibrahimovic (2019), Carlos Ruíz (2002-2003) and Welton (1997-1998).

Joveljic to become a regular starter

In addition to scoring nine times, Joveljic has also supplied two assists so far this campaign and leads all MLS players in goal contributions in the last six games. He also leads the MLS in goals scored as a substitute this season, but he wants a more prominent role in the team.

The Galaxy’s head coach, Greg Vanney, starts Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández as the leading striker because he is the captain of the team and he is a designated player. Unfortunately, his performances in the last six matches have not been productive and Joveljic has become key to securing points as the Galaxy aspire to return to the playoffs this season.

Vanney could opt to change the formation from a 4-3-3 to a 4-4-2 and play with Joveljic and Hernández. The first time the strikers played together this season was in the 4-0 shutout win over Montréal on 4 July and Vanney could repeat the lineup again in the matchup against FC Dallas on 30 July. So far this season, Joveljic has made 19 appearances but only five as a starter.

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