Former Barcelona starlet Riqui Puig becoming major name in MLS

Riqui Puig, a former Barcelona midfielder, is swiftly gaining popularity in the United States, with the 23-year-old currently recognized as one of the greatest players in the country.

Puig is due to play for the Major League Soccer All-Star team against Arsenal next week, and according to Relevo, he is the difference-maker for the Los Angeles Galaxy, which he joined last summer.

His shirt is the ninth best-selling in the league, and merchandising of all kinds is starting to appear as he embraces his newfound status in L.A. At Barcelona, he became a symbol of how much or how little Barcelona used young players. Puig subsequently drifted back into a decorative role for much of the following seasons, despite a few encouraging cameos, with the signing of Xavi Hernandez doing little to improve matters.

Puiq, on the other hand, is now at comfortable with the Galaxy. Alvaro Izquierdo, a former player and MLS broadcaster, stated the following.

“Riqui is a total idol. He has done well in the decisive matches. Chicharito was the key and before Zlatan… now it’s Riqui.”

“Before the El Trafico derby (LA Galaxy against LAFC), the big image around the stadium and in the official store was that of Riqui Puig, he is the idol for the fans. He learned well what MLS means, the show, the press. He quickly understood where he is, Los Angeles, Hollywood, Disney. He has endeared himself to everyone.”

“This league is difficult, much more than what is seen from the outside, it is the second league in the world where there is the most running. And Riqui is a player who makes a difference. He still has a lot of room for growth.”

Meanwhile, Oriol Rosell, another former Barcelona midfielder, is one of his teammates.

“Riqui is a very good teammate, a boy with a lot of personality for his age and in the world of football people like that usually succeed. Very funny, he loves to play with the ball, you can see that it is his thing, on the other hand there are other players who suffer more from it.”

“Every time he puts on his boots on he enjoys it, in the locker room he is a very important piece and that as a teammate is valued.”

Puig has 6 goals and 5 assists in 31 games so far, and has made a name for himself with his daring play. However he will want to improve matters for his side, with the Galaxy second-bottom in the Western Conference this season, with just 5 wins in 21 games.