When the Galaxy landed midfielder Giovani dos Santos 15 months ago, there was no doubt they were getting a player with uncommon talent.
What they weren’t so sure about was his focus and drive.
During his short time with Tottenham, Dos Santos reportedly spent more time in the pubs than on the training pitch. So the English Premier League club sent him out on loan to three teams in three countries, beginning an odyssey that would see him move six times in eight years – all before his 26th birthday.
Now, however, he appears to have found a home – and some perspective – with the Galaxy, with whom he’s emerged as a most valuable player candidate in his first full Major League Soccer season.