LA Galaxy manager tempers expectations and hype surrounding Gyasi Zardes
LA Galaxy forward Gyasi Zardes is a good player, sure - but don't go overrating him, says club head coach Bruce Arena.
There's no denying Zardes is enjoying another strong year in Major League Soccer. He's notched six goals and recorded three assists in 2015, adding to the 16 goals he scored last season. Those efforts earned him his first international cap with the United States in January, and the 23-year-old has even been linked with a European move.
The LA Galaxy boss, however, says those observing Zardes should exercise caution about both their expectations and their demands for the new star.
"For all of these young players, everyone in our country overreacts, because we've not had enough good players," Arena told MLSSoccer.com. "When there's a hint someone will be good, everyone overreacts. Gyasi's making progress, yeah, but a game, a season, is not a career.
"I'd say in the case of Gyasi, as would be the case with other players in his category, where they're young and just kind of starting their professional career; give it time," Arena urged. "Don't draw any conclusions over one season or one game. Let's see what happens over time."
It's an interesting comment, and one that can be applied to young footballers around the globe. Manchester United forward Anthony Martial scored his first goal in the Premier League on Saturday, and pundits and fans alike reacted with praise and even comparisons to former Arsenal and current New York Red Bulls forward Thierry Henry.
Arena isn't denying the skill and talent Zardes has shown - rather, he is stressing a need for consistency over an extended period of time before his young forward can be considered in the same vein as football's elite, including Zardes' own LA Galaxy teammates.
"Steven Gerrard did it for 18 years. Robbie Keane did it for 18 years," Arena explained. "Those are guys that you can label as big-time players and successful players. Our young guys need a lot more time and experience."