Jelle Van Damme might not have been one of the LA Galaxy’s big-name signings in 2016, but he was the most important.
Following the departure of Omar Gonzalez, the Galaxy needed a quality new center back and they got it in the veteran Belgian international, who started in 28 of the team’s 34 games season games as well as all three playoff games.
With Van Damme the Galaxy were tied for second in the league in least goals conceded (39).
The 6-foot-4 and 200-pound defender, who coach Bruce Arena converted from fullback to center back, also showed his attacking qualities throughout the regular season and playoffs, providing five assists.