João Klauss: From Replacement Player to New Fan Favorite

Key Highlights

• Louis?Did Klauss have the offensive chops to “replace” Puig, whom many consider a unicorn in his skill set?AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementPundits and detractors of the deal alike correctly pointed out that Klauss had never scored more than 10 goals in his two seasons in MLS. And it's only taken Klauss two games to shut them up. The Galaxy’s newest DP opened his Galaxy goal tally within 85 seconds on opening day, and LA should have walked away with three points off his game-winner. He followed that up with a riveting performance against Charlotte. Klauss was electric.
• The striker led the line, led the press, was the epitome of hard work, and seemed to further solidify his understanding with fellow Brazilian Gabriel Pec en route to scoring two goals in the Galaxy’s 3-0 dismantling of the visiting side. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementLA Galaxy Head Coach Greg Vanney spared the newcomer no compliment.“He sets the tone.
• When everybody behind you looks to the guy in front who is working like he's working, you have no choice but to work with him.
• That's what I love.
• His mentality has been fantastic,” Vanney said in a post-match press conference after his team's win over Charlotte. Both Vanney and Kuntz have spoken several times about the need to have good soccer players and good men, and Klauss fits the mold of the ideal player they've described.“He's a great guy for our locker room, and when he goes out there, he goes out there to work.