As much as anyone, Jonathan dos Santos knows that the LA Galaxy's 2020 season was not up to expectations for one of the league's proudest and most historically successful clubs.
The Galaxy never got going last season, as they saw their playoff aspirations dashed by a combination of a leaky defense and an inability to ever get consistent production from their attack and big-money signing Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez.
The 2021 season represents an opportunity to right the ship, with dos Santos telling Kevin Baxter of the LA Times in a story published on Friday that he feels healthy and rejuvenated after he was limited by injuries for much of the last year. That, and a new overall energy around the team, gives him confidence that the club is ready to leave 2020's struggles in the past.
“It depends on me, what I show on the field, what I demonstrate off the field,” dos Santos told Baxter. “I have no doubt that I can do that. I’m very confident.
“I want to do something great with the club. Be champions. And I think this is going to be the year.”
A return to health and form for dos Santos, one of the league's best two-way midfielders and one of the Galaxy's most important leaders in the locker room, would certainly go a long way in helping the club bounce back. New head coach Greg Vanney, who joined the Galaxy this offseason from Toronto FC, has spoken highly of the 30-year-old Mexico international's mentality during the offseason.
“He looks fit. I’ve seen him moving around a little bit and he is moving great. I think he’s in a really good spot. I think he’s excited about the year," Vanney said of dos Santos.
