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ESPN staff 7y

Giovani Dos Santos ready to step into LA Galaxy leadership role

Giovani Dos Santos is ready to step into a leadership role with the LA Galaxy ahead of the 2017 season.

Dos Santos, 27, joined the Galaxy in 2015 and has been a key member of the squad ever since. But with manager Bruce Arena moving on to coach the U.S. national team and both Steven Gerrard and Robbie Keane leaving the club, there's a bit of a vacuum in terms of team leadership at the club.

And the Mexico international told ESPN FC at MLS Media Day that he's grown as a player over the last two seasons and thinks he can help offset the loss of three valuable members of the club.

"I've been preparing for this for years," Dos Santos said. "To return each year a more mature player and person, with a deeper understanding of the game. And, well, I think each player on this team has to be a leader, no?

"It's true we have a very young team, but with a lot of hunger to achieve important things. Above all we hope to support each other on and off the pitch to be a great team this year."

The loss of  Arena, the longtime manager, and Keane, the Galaxy captain during his time in Los Angeles, will be keenly felt. But that won't stop Dos Santos and his Galaxy teammates from shooting for the team's goals in 2017.

He said: "Well the truth is, I think the responsibility will continue to be the same. It's true that two important figures for the club have left and they left a big hole to fill. I hope the best for both of them.

"I've just been trying to prepare for this season in the best way possible to start the season in top form.

"A club like the LA Galaxy, it isn't an obligation, but it's to always be close to the top and the objective is always to be champions.

"So we have to train very hard because this year the competition is much higher. The teams are much better prepared, and we know we'll have difficulties, but we know we have a team that can achieve what we need to this year."

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