Ratings
- A1 – Very good, could play higher
- A2 – Strong potential to play higher
- B1 – Good, strong player at level
- B2 – Potential to be strong player at level
- C – Average for the level, rewatch
- D – Below average, don’t follow up
Player profile:
- Nationality: Colombian
- Age: 22
- Date of birth: 18/06/1997
- Current Club: LAFC
- Career: Independiente Medellín, LAFC
- Position: Defensive Midfield
- Preferred foot: Right
Atuesta was one of the top performers for his side as they slipped to a disappointing 3-2 defeat in the LA derby. Playing as the deepest of a three man midfield, the Colombian displayed a good level of technique and his game is generally orientated around his passing ability. On the ball he brought well needed composure to his side, ensuring they retained possession whilst also trying to progress up the pitch. His passing range was impressive, allowing him to make some nice long switches and he managed to register an assist late on with a very well disguised pass into the forward.
At times he found it difficult to dictate the play as much as he would have liked due to him being man-marked by LA Galaxy, which hindered his creativity, whilst also seeing him lose the ball in central areas on occasion. Atuesta appeared to be a leader for this side, and for the most part lead by example when defending. His awareness allowed him to cover for his teammates and win the second ball regularly, whilst occasionally nipping in front of his man to dispossess them. However, he did get beaten once or twice and picked up a yellow for a late challenge. Physically, at around 6 foot he is able to challenge well aerially, whilst also putting his strength to good use to shrug off opposition players or win fouls.
Overall, it was clear that Atuesta has quality and it would be exciting to watch him again in a match where his side has more control over proceedings, allowing him to see more of the ball.
Rating: A2
Player profile:
- Nationality: Ghanaian
- Age: 23
- Date of birth: 30/12/1996
- Current Club: LAFC
- Career: Liberty Professionals, Sporting Kansas City, LAFC
- Position: 10 (AM)
- Secondary position: Right Wing / Left Wing / Central Midfield
- Preferred foot: Right
Blessing played as the most advanced of three central midfielders in LAFC’s system and put in an intriguing performance. The Ghanaian is clearly a progressive minded player who is in the midfield to bring energy and creativity and this is what he did during certain stages of the game. He always looked to move forward when on the ball, often making some nice passes into forwards and wide players, and was able to link up effectively in the final third and transition phases on occasion. In attack he sometimes took up some dangerous positions between the opposition lines and it would have been good to see him do that more regualrly in the match.
However, this very forward thinking mentality also hindered him at times, with some loose or forced passes being picked off by the opposition. It also lead to him losing the ball in some precarious areas of the pitch, one of which was the cause of LA Galaxy’s second goal. Despite only standing at 5’5″, the 23 year old battled well in midfield and held his own in that regard, whilst showing a good burst of pace.
Overall, it was a promising display from Blessing in a match where his team struggled.
Rating: B1
Player profile:
- Nationality: American
- Age: 23
- Date of birth: 12/08/1996
- Current Club: LAFC
- Career: Burlingame Dragons, LAFC, Phoenix Rising (L)
- Position: Right Back
- Secondary position: Central Defender
- Preferred foot: Right
Tristan Blackmon put in a solid, yet unspectacular, shift for LAFC in this match. Defensively the right back hardly put a foot wrong, using his 6’1 big frame well to out-strengthen his opponents and win some aerial duels. He rarely got drawn in to making rash tackles and stood up the winger well when in one on one situations.
In an attacking sense, the American seemed comfortable with the ball at his feet and liked to get forward when the opportunity presented itself. He made some clean passes into the forward players but rarely tried to force it and was willing to go backwards or sideways if necessary. The 23 year old did hit a couple of loose passes and his final ball could have done with being more clinical. Yet he also showed that he was capable of being creative, with one especially good reverse pass in the final third.
As a whole, the right back fulfilled his defensive duties well whilst also attempting to offer himself as an attacking outlet down the right hand side.
Rating: B1
Player profile:
- Nationality: Uruguayan
- Age: 22
- Date of birth: 05/03/1998
- Current Club: LAFC
- Career: Peñarol, LAFC
- Position: Left Wing
- Secondary position: Right Wing / Striker
- Preferred foot: Right
Rossi put in a very disappointing performance in the LA derby. In a game where very little that he tried came off, the Uruguayan struggled in attacking areas with his best moment being a shot that skimmed the cross bar on the way over. With several loose touches and overhit passes – perhaps letting some complacency slip into his game, he really struggled to have a positive impact on the match and failed to put the opposition defence on the back foot. He always seemed confident and did show glimpses of what he is capable of with some blistering bursts of pace and some quick feet, but on the whole he was left frustrated and failed to really make an impact. At 5’7 he did not pose an aerial threat and is very lightweight, allowing him to be fast but not offering much physicality.
The left winger did try to change his fortunes by working hard and switching wings, and he occasionally took up some dangerous positions by drifting inside, but on the day it appeared it wasn’t meant to be for the 22 year old.
Rating: C
Player profile:
- Nationality: Colombian
- Age: 23
- Date of birth: 02/02/1997
- Current Club: LAFC
- Career: Deportivo Pereira, Atlético Huila, LAFC
- Position: Central Defender
- Secondary position: Right Back
- Preferred foot: Right
Eddie Segura had a match to forget against LA Galaxy. The young central defender greatly struggled up against the very experienced Zlatan Ibrahimovic and probably learnt a lot from the game. He allowed himself to be pinned too easily when the ball was in the air and despite showing good strength and aggression at times he rarely came out on top. This aggression was perhaps misdirected at times as he involved himself in a big altercation with the oppositon players at one stage. The Colombian overcommitted on a couple of occasions and appeared to often lack composure in possession; mistiming clearances and misplacing passes. In possession in general he made some nice passes out from the back but also misplaced a couple and never looked particularly confident. At 5’10” he was unable to compete aerially against the 6’5″ Galaxy striker and he couldn’t find a way to contain the opposition forward on his way to scoring a hatrick.
Overall, it was always going to be a tough game for Segura but he still could have done better in several situations.
Rating: D
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