Monday marked five years to the day since Robbie Keane first arrived at the LA Galaxy. Back then, he joined a club that already boasted David Beckham and Landon Donovan as headline acts. The Irishman was undoubtedly a marquee signing at the time, illustrated by the designated player deal he was handed, but his standing was somewhat secondary. That is no longer the case. In fact, Keane has come to define the Galaxy over the course of his stint there.
With 101 goals for the Galaxy, the former Spurs striker has also won three MLS Cups and a Supporters’ Shield, as well as an MVP award, during his time in Major League Soccer. He has become a predominant figure of the North American game and the spiritual figurehead of the country’s most successful and renowned team. Keane is now the face of the LA Galaxy.
His work rate, commitment, movement and goalscoring instinct make him just as popular with coaches as he is with fans, and what’s more, even at the age of 36, he’s still delivering. Keane has notched seven times in just 12 appearances this season, spearheading the LA Galaxy’s challenge for a fourth MLS Cup in six years. He is their frontman in every sense.
This weekend’s clash against New York City FC provides Keane with another opportunity to underline his quality, with the Bronx side’s slack defence sure to be a target of the Irishman. If he overcomes a fitness doubt, Yankee Stadium could present Keane with the ideal conditions to thrive. If the Galaxy lived through the Beckham years, these are surely the Keane years.
(Guardian service)
