How LA Galaxy could line up with Marco Reus
- LA Galaxy have reportedly signed longtime Borussia Dortmund figure Marco Reus
- The 35-year-old has joined the Galaxy on a deal through the 2025 MLS season
- Galaxy boss Greg Vanney could look to utilize the veteran midfielder in a few different ways
Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy have reportedly signed Bundesliga legend Marco Reus through the 2025 season, adding to their already talented attacking department.
The five-time MLS Cup winners already have the likes of Gabriel Pec, Joseph Paintsil and Riqui Puig headlining their attack, and the imminent arrival of Reus would signal even more ambition from the club's front office as the Galaxy look to lift silverware.
LA have reportedly already signed the free agent midfielder to a deal through the 2025 MLS season with the announcement pending. Even though the 35-year-old is nearing the end of his career, there are still a few ways that Greg Vanney can get the most impact out of him during his time at Dignity Health Sports Park.
Reus as an attacking midfielder - 4-2-3-1
While Riqui Puig is currently sees as the team's primary attacking midfielder, Reus could bring in a new level of quality to the position and spearhead the attack playing just behind striker Dejan Joveljic.
Reus has played as a No. 10 for a good chunk of his career and could tally double-digit goals and assists while taking on the attacking midfielder role.
Potential lineups
Painstil, Reus, Pec; Joveljic
Fagundez, Reus, Pec, Joveljic
Reus as a winger - 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3
While Reus has become more of an attacking midfielder through the latter years of his storied career, there's still the chance he could take on a winger role in Vanney's 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 set-up, playing opposite to either Pec or Paintsil.
Reus may not have the burst of pace he used to, but his link-up play and delivery could prove to be the difference maker in matches where the Galaxy are struggling to break down low-block sides.
Potential lineups
Reus, Puig, Pec; Joveljic ( 4-2-3-1 )
Painstil, Puig, Reus; Joveljic ( 4-2-3-1 )
Reus, Joveljic, Pec ( 4-3-3 )
Paintsil, Joveljic, Reus ( 4-3-3 )
Reus as a central midfielder - 4-3-3
Vanney could look to utilize Reus in a more central role in certain matches depending on the opponent and competition. For example, later on in matches in the postseason, LA could be looking to hold on for a result and could benefit from Reus playing in a deeper role to help keep possession and essentially play keep away.
This shift could see both Reus and Puig -- two players who can both score from distance and set-up teammates for scoring chances -- occupy the same space in the middle of the park for quick combinations to spring forward on counter attacks.
Potential lineups
Brugman, Puig, Reus ( 4-3-3 )
Reus, Puig, Delgado ( 4-3-3 )
Cerrillo, Reus, Puig ( 4-3-3 )