CARSON, Calif. — At age twenty-six, Ghanaian attacker Joseph Paintsil demonstrates the maturity of a player approaching his prime. Serving Genk as a winger on either flank, paired in a two-striker set, or as a false nine behind the striker, the Ghanaian possesses an Obafemi Martins physicality and a ball-winners instinct uncommon in attacking players. He combines with others, finishes his chances with either foot, provides options in the possession game, and picks quality passes in the box.
By far, his most impressive quality is the ability to execute well-timed runs behind the defense. Genk footage also reveals a consistent commitment to track back on defense and the quality to break the press through passing or off-the-ball runs. Excellent positioning and timing of runs enable Paintsil to track down and control long passes and fight off defenders in a contest for the ball.
What MLS teams lack in quality, they try to make up for in athleticism. It remains to be seen whether Gabriel Pec and Paintsil can dominate defenses like they did in Brazil and Belgium. Will Kuntz removed any excuses by securing Paintsil and Pec to partner with Riqui Puig. If either signing achieves anything close to their previous performances, the Galaxy should finally be able to play Vanney-ball.
Like a cubic equation, Puig x Pec x Paintsil (P-cubed) should be able to stretch the defense, open spaces in the midfield for the passing game, and transition quickly in goal-dangerous situations. Now that Puig has donned the number ten shirt, he must show the world that he deserves it, and Greg Vanney must set the team up to optimize P-cubed.