Carlos Vela Vs Zlatan Ibrahimović: Who Is The King Of Los Angeles?
Vela and Ibrahimović are the two most talked about players in MLS at the moment. After securing moves to Los Angeles FC and LA Galaxy respectively (both in 2018), they have both hit the ground running with 86 goals between them so far. The question which now arises is, who is the better player in the MLS? In this pursuit, we’ve disregarded their past achievements in their respective former clubs, and will thus be solely focusing on their exploits in the MLS.
Note: This article was originally published on 15th September, 2019
Assists
Vela has made a total of 28 assists in 54 appearances at LAFC since his joining in 2018. In comparison, Ibrahimović has managed a paltry 14 assists in 51 appearances at LA Galaxy so far. Vela’s characteristically efficient link-up play with his teammates ensures that he registers a win over Ibrahimović in the assists’ department.
Goals
In the ongoing MLS season, Vela is the top goalscorer with 27 goals in 26 matches played. Ibrahimović is trailing by 4 goals with 23 goals out of 24 games played. However, looking at the total number of goals scored since last season, owing to Ibrahimović’s stellar first season at LA Galaxy, he manages to outscore Vela. The Swede’s goals tally at LA Galaxy stands at 45 goals in 51 matches compared to the Mexican’s 41 goals in 54 games. His towering physique coupled with the use of unorthodox acrobatics is a nightmare for defenders across the MLS. Ibrahimović wins this round.
Head-to-head
As an extension of their goalscoring data, we’ve highlighted data from 5 El Tráficos (Los Angeles Derby) to see which player reigns supreme in the derby. Ibrahimović has scored the highest number of goals in the El Tráfico with 8 (in 4 games) while Vela trails by one goal with 7 (in 5 games). The Swedish striker has outshone his Mexican counterpart in terms of the impact created by his strikes. In his debut game (the first El Tráfico), after coming off of the bench, he scored two goals including the winner to make it 4–3 to Galaxy. Vela scored 2 goals in their fourth Tráfico but Ibrahimović one-upped him by scoring a perfect hattrick. Los Angeles FC have never beaten their local rivals. Another win for the Swede.
Individual honors
Both Ibrahimović and Vela were selected for the MLS All-Star team in 2018, and 2019, and the MLS Best XI in 2018. But, the Swede has gone on to win the MLS Newcomer of the Year Award in 2018, MLS Goal of the Year Award in 2018, and the Best MLS Player ESPY Award in 2019. 3-1 to Ibrahimović.
Verdict
As expected, the towering Swede is the undisputed king of Los Angeles. However, Vela looks set to be crowned as the top goalscorer in the ongoing season and has broken Sebastian Giovinco’s 2015 MLS single-season record of most combined goals and assists, with his 42nd point of the season (27 goals and 15 assists). In the end, the El Tráfico continues to sport two of the biggest names in MLS at the moment and sets the trend for Ronaldo-Messi-Esque showdowns in North America’s top league.
