Once called the ‘new Xavi’, Riqui Puig will form a new spectacular trio with Javier Hernandez and Douglas Costa at the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Coach Greg Vanney will be tasked with getting the most out of the midfielder, who has been limited by his lack of physicality, and most of all, his lack of consistency.
Puig broke into LaLiga’s Primera Division in 2018. Called the ‘new Xavi’, the footballer raised at La Masia was taken under Lionel Messi‘s wing until he left for PSG.
Hopes were high for the talented midfielder, but Puig never lived up them, making just 56 appearances in four years (two goals and three assists).
Hopes are high in MLS
Puig‘s physique was one of the factors working against him in Spain. At just 5’5 feet tall (1.69m) and a slim build, he was never able to gain the trust of Ernesto Valverde, Ronald Koeman or Xavi.
His technique, on the other hand, has never been questioned, though his consistency has.
The general consensus is that Spanish defences, along with Barcelona‘s style of play, didn’t suit him.
The MLS, on the other hand, offers him a chance to finally assert himself.
Great friend of Pique
In addition to his lack of sporting success, Puig is also known as Gerard Pique‘s night-time party companion.
The Barcelona youth players, despite their notable age difference – Puig is about to turn 23 and Pique will turn 35 – have been searched out by the paparazzi on more than one occasion in Barcelona nightclubs.
Puig even helped Pique avoid being photographed while he was going going through his separation from Shakira.
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