Will Vela end LAFC's dire El Trafico record with LA Galaxy?

Zlatan Ibrahimovic stoked the flames ahead of El Trafico last month. When asked if he was the best player in MLS, despite Carlos Vela’s blistering form, the Swede responded: "By far, because if he's in his prime. How old is he? Twenty-nine. And he's playing in MLS and he's in his prime. When I was 29 [I was in Europe]. Big difference." 

And Ibrahimovic put his money where his mouth by bagging a hat-trick in LA Galaxy’s 3-2 win over LAFC, landing a perfect WhoScored rating of 10 in the process. That defeat merely spurred LAFC onto a five-match winning run and the duo lock horns once again this weekend with LAFC hoping to effectively seal top spot in the Western Conference. 

Coming into the weekend’s action, LAFC sit 19 points clear of Minnesota United having played a game fewer than the Loons. Much of that has been down the flying form of Vela, who continues to shine in Bob Bradley’s XI. Ibrahimovic may have won the battle last month, but Vela is very much winning the war. 

The Mexican is the best rated player in MLS this season, with an 8.54, with his brace the midweek 4-0 win over San Jose Earthquakes taking his total to 26 league goals this season. Factor in his 10 assists, and Vela is the only player to reach double figures for both goals and assists in MLS this term. Having had a direct hand in 50.7% of LAFC’s goals this season, it’s easy to see why MLS’ answer to Lionel Messi tops the player rating standing. 

Indeed, Vela has failed to have a direct hand in a goal in just six of his 25 league outings this term and has been named the WhoScored man of the match award in 14 of his 25 appearances. It’s quite the feat for the 30-year-old who is spearheading LAFC’s charge for glory. However, there remains a mental obstacle that the Black and Gold need to overcome before too long. 

LAFC have failed to win their four league meetings with their rivals, losing two, and it’s this block that is perhaps preventing them from taking the next step in their bid to be crowned MLS Cup winners. It’s Vela leading the push for Bradley’s side, even if he has largely started on the right flank in the manager’s preferred 4-3-3 setup this season. 

Here, though, Vela is able to maximise his statistically calculated WhoScored style of play of ‘likes to cut inside’ and utilise his unpredictability to put opponents to the sword. Vela can either push down the right and provide for teammates or instead break infield and maximise any space vacated in the final third by either Christian Ramirez or Adam Diomande to bear down opposition goalkeepers and as his figures suggest, when Vela gains a head of steam, it usually results in a goal. 

It’s this versatility across the frontline that means Vela is likely to land the MVP award in his quest to secure both individual and club glory. First thing’s first, however, he needs to help bring to an end LAFC’s dire record against their rivals in the upcoming instalment of El Trafico. In a weekend of derbies across the league - NYCFC host New York Red Bulls while Toronto FC take on Montreal Impact - the watching world will pay the closest attention to the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles where the league's two standout stars in Vela and Ibrahimovic clash once more. 

Given Vela has scored six of LAFC’s eight MLS goals against LA Galaxy in their short history, you can bet on the former Mexico star to do his part in the final third at the Banc of California Stadium as LAFC aim to end their underwhelming record with the Galaxy and move one step closer to glory for the first time since their 2014 inception.