Jul 29, 2018; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Jonathan dos Santos (8) leaps on the back of forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic (9) after his second goal of the half against the Orlando City at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Since Zlatan Ibrahimovic came to MLS, he wanted to get back on track from his knee injury. The 36-year-old may have lost half a step compared to the player he once was a decade ago but Zlatan has made everyone forget he was injured before coming to the United States.

Since joining the LA Galaxy, Zlatan has brought them up to being a serious playoff contender, scoring 15 goals in 17 games including a debut goal that will be a goal of the year contender.

Last night, Zlatan one-upped himself as he scored his first MLS hat trick in a 4-3 come from behind victory against Orlando City SC.

We’ll see whether or not Zlatan can keep up this goal scoring pace but he and the Galaxy have been selective in when he plays to keep him fresh throughout the season, particularly when it comes games either in the east coast or on artificial turf. If he keeps this up, Zlatan should be up for MLS MVP consideration and probably would deserve it if not for Atlanta United’s Josef Martinez scoring 24 goals in 23 games and is on pace to shatter the single-season scoring record.

So far, Zlatan’s MLS career has silenced many doubters and I must say that I was wrong too. I didn’t know if Zlatan’s knee issues, as well as the added travel and summer heat would be a detriment but it seems to have not had an effect. And with Zlatan being a TAM signing and not to a huge contract like Wayne Rooney at D.C. United, $1.5 million per year is starting to seem like a bargain for the LA Galaxy.

About Phillip Bupp

Producer/editor of the Awful Announcing Podcast and Short and to the Point. News editor for The Comeback and Awful Announcing. Highlight consultant for Major League Soccer as well as a freelance writer for hire. Opinions are my own but feel free to agree with them.

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