Riqui Puig: “I think more young players will come to MLS to develop and learn”
The former FC Barcelona player received his P-1 visa and is now available to make his debut against the Seattle Sounders.
The relationship between Riqui Puig and the Los Angeles Galaxy officially started on Wednesday morning after the player trained for the first time with his new teammates. The former FC Barcelona product arrived in Los Angeles last week, but couldn’t play against Vancouver because his P-1 visa didn’t arrive on time.
When will Riqui Puig make his MLS debut?
The 23-year-old enjoyed his first day of practice and he was later introduced formally in a press conference where he talked about his decision to join the Galaxy. Puig will make his debut in Major League Soccer on Friday when the five-time MLS Cup Champions host the Seattle Sounders at Dignity Health Sports Park.
“I am very impressed with the level of the team and there’s a lot of competition, which is good. I think together we can achieve big things and I will try to give everything I can to this team and improve the quality if possible,” said Puig during Wednesday’s press conference.
Riqui Puig will be a fundamental asset to the Los Angeles-based team, especially in midfield, because he will help make quicker transitions from defense to offense. Galaxy’s head coach, Gregg Vanney, could use the former FC Barcelona product as a No. 10 and have Mark Delgado and Gastón Brugman play in a more defensive role behind him in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
The 23-year-old also talked about his first impressions of the league and how surprised he was by the fans’ reception at the airport. “This could become one of the best leagues in the world because they have all the potential to achieve it. From now on, more young players will come to MLS to develop and learn a lot,” added Riqui Puig.