With Omar Gonzalez away with ACL injury for 4 to 9 months,

LA Galaxy’s Bruce Arena has to look for a suitable replacement

in order to maintain the strong defence that has only led in 38

goals in 46 matches last season.

LA Galaxy’s defensive capabilities took a great hit with Juninho

going back to his old club Sao Paulo and Omar Gonzalez placed in

the Injured List. Juninho remains a defensive gem in midfield

with the capability to score long-range bombs from outside the

penalty area. In terms of defensive capabilities, Chris Birchall

is a suitable replacement, as he can continue on from where

Juninho has left off, and to allow Beckham to concentrate on

dictating the offensive plays.

Leonardo for Omar Gonzalez

As to the “hole” left behind in the absence of Omar Gonzalez, one

can look to young Leonardo, the fellow Brazilian who came on

loan with Juninho from Sao Paulo. Leonardo has impressed

in his appearances during his debut season and had paired up

successfully with Gonzalez until knee injury kept him out for

the rest of the season. As long as he is able to get back to fitness,

one should expect Leonardo to start alongside A.J. DeLaGarza.

LA Galaxy Formation and Tactics 2012

Sean Franklin starts on right-back, with Todd Dunivant

covering on the left side. As such, from left to right, the

defensive line-up will read Dunivant, Leonardo, DeLaGarza

and Franklin.

Other Defensive Options for LA Galaxy

Frankie Hejduk, at the age of 37, has much to offer with his

veteran experience. However, he may not be as effective

against pacey forwards who will trouble the ageing Hejduk.

Omar Gonzalez is irreplaceable at LA Galaxy, and his shoes may

be too large for anyone to fill. LA Galaxy defence may stutter as

the MLS season goes.

MLS SuperDraft 2012 Replacement?

Bruce Arena can opt to look into youth talents to pick up at the

MLS SuperDraft 2012 in Kansas City.

According to Draft forecasts made by MLS experts on the MLS

official side, with the Champion’s incentive of the 18th pick,

LA Galaxy can look to pick up Aaron Maund, a central defender,

hailing from the University of Notre Dame.

Aaron Maund has athletic ability, but it remains to be seen if he

can cope with the demands of the MLS. Defender Daniel Steres is

another option, and he is scouted to be a smart and athletic central

defender, but not necessarily a ready replacement for Omar Gonzalez.

The above opinion does not officially represent that of MLS Club

LA Galaxy, and remains only the personal opinion of the writer

of Beckham Galaxy.

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