Midfielder Matias Laba has become one of Carl Robinson's first names down on his Vancouver Whitecaps FC team sheet each week. The reliable Argentine has been a core element of the 'Caps defensive spine the past two seasons and the Designated Player was signed to a multi-year contract extension in November.
After finding himself surplus to requirements, and cap restraints, on a big-spending Toronto FC side, Laba moved west in time for the 2014 MLS season and has proved to be one of Robinson's shrewdest signings.
The man behind the player is perhaps not that well known throughout the rest of MLS.