Carlos Vela: Supremely talented rebel soul
Carlos Vela is feeling good and in a glorious state as a footballer. Vela’s present is bright like the beginning of LAFC‘s 2019 season. The team from Los Angeles is undefeated and leads the MLS Western Conference. They average three goals per match and concede one every 108 minutes.
The squad functions better than any other team in MLS. The offensive power of Los Angeles FC took shape immediately thanks to the fast understanding of manager Bob Bradley to comfort Vela’s game.
In his second year as LAFC’s coach, Bradley read the multiple needs of his team in comparison to last season. There was a semi-radical change in the defensive line. And most importantly, he comprehended that Vela needed more freedom to improve the attacking ability of the team.
Although, besides any tactical explanation, there’s a more significant reason why Vela is enjoying his moment in MLS. LAFC brought in the right player to lead an ambitious project. Vela is talented; he is young enough to fulfill a long-term contract and boost the fan base. But most importantly, he always liked the American lifestyle.
But sometimes it’s difficult to deal with a rebel soul like Carlos Vela. He is so ungovernable that he skipped the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Vela, despite going through one of the best stretches of his career with Spanish club Real Sociedad, argued that football wasn’t his passion.
“I enjoy playing, but when the match is over, football is over,” Vela once told MedioTiempo. “Afterwards you can talk to me about anything except football because I don’t feel comfortable.”
Vela felt that soccer was keeping him hostage. He had the talent; nevertheless, it wasn’t something that fulfilled him. And revolting against the most prominent tournament seemed like a way out.
However, LAFC found a niche with Vela, and the club offered him more than a football project: a Hollywood lifestyle, entertainment, an unbelievable salary, an experienced coach in Bradley and the opportunity to be closer to his “favorite” sport, basketball. In other words, Los Angeles is the equivalent of Vela’s perfect world, and Vela’s well-being is reflected in his weekly performance.
Seven goals and four assists in six matches speak volumes of Vela’s potential, and also of Bradley’s management. The Mexican international is living the best moments in his career since his first years with Real Sociedad. It’s still early in the season, but Vela already started the MVP conversation, and with continued fantastic performances Tata Martino will bring him back to the national team. Also, LAFC is on a winning streak and displaying attractive football.
Los Angeles FC succumbed to Vela’s rebelliousness by offering the paradise he always dreamed of. In exchange, Vela is guiding the franchise to uncharted heights in just its second year in MLS.
Follow Luis on Twitter: @LFulloa.
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