The Galaxy paid a record fee to acquire Gabriel Pec a pacy goal-dangerous winger who can stretch a defense. Reviewing available highlights and Vasco De Gama footage reveals a powerful explosive attacker with elite close control at pace. Pec moves the ball with his first touch to force defenders to make a quick decision whether to challenge or retreat. Even at high speed, he seems to possess yet another gear that leaves defenders struggling in his wake.
Like many Brazilians, born and nurtured on the streets, he displays bite in the tackle and strength to hold the ball and spin-off opponents. Like elite attackers, his extraordinary balance allows him to unleash a powerful and accurate left foot even after a heavy challenge. Around the box he can provide the killer cross, pick a pass, chip the keeper. At age twenty-two, he lurks on the cusp of the Brazilian national team with an opportunity to impress at the highest levels.
Highlights of individual players reflect the bias of the video production staff as much as player ability. Only once in the thirty-plus highlights reviewed for this piece does Pec initiate a run behind the defense and receive a pass. The rest involve picking up the ball in the midfield and attacking the defense, either with a pass or a shot on goal.
Pec’s skills mirror those of Riqui Puig, raising the possibility that Pec will take touches away from Puig or push Riqui into deeper positions in the midfield. Puig needs touches to be effective, and unlike Pec, he shows little desire to defend. Greg Vanney must get the two to move the ball together in attacking situations.
Rather than hunting space during an attack, Pec prefers to hunt the ball, both defensively and offensively. Some of his most impressive moments at Vasco involve intercepting a pass or closing down and dispossessing an opponent to generate a quick scoring opportunity. All attackers need service, but Pec can also serve himself.
Puig needs runners who will anticipate his ability to escape and execute well-timed runs behind the defense to receive a decisive pass. None of the highlights reviewed show Pec popping up behind the defense to receive a killer pass. It seems more likely that Puig will get the Galaxy out of tight spaces, with Pec demanding an immediate pass to feet so he can run at the defense himself.
Some footage does show Pec tracking back on defense to win a tackle or disrupt an attack. Vanney will hope to see defensive effort consistently over ninety minutes. No footage showed Pec as part of a period of sustained possession.
Talented players want the team to provide what they need to succeed. Truly great players apply their talents to give the team what it needs. Whether Pec thrives with the Galaxy will depend upon Vanney’s ability to put Pec and Puig in positions to do both together.