Denis Bouanga has shot to the top of the Concacaf Champions League top scorers list with his impressive tally of five goals so far. Bouanga was key in LAFC’s recent 3-0 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps, scoring two goals, including a stunning strike from 30 yards out. Bouanga’s speed, skill and precision on the ball make him a difficult player to defend against, as Whitecaps head coach Vanni Sartini admitted after the game. Even LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo noted that Bouanga had been “quite poor” up until his first goal against the Whitecaps, but quickly bounced back in a big way. Bouanga’s performance this season has led to him becoming one of LAFC’s most valuable players, with a market value of €6m.
Despite his impressive performances, Cherundolo believes there is still room for improvement, particularly in terms of Bouanga’s decision-making on the ball. Bouanga tends to be an individual player at times and can be guilty of overcomplicating his moves. However, Cherundolo is confident that Bouanga has the intelligence to figure out how to improve his game and become even more prolific for LAFC.
Consistency will be key for Bouanga and LAFC if they want to win championships, and Cherundolo’s comments suggest that the club is focused on this goal. While Bouanga may have become an important player for the team post-Cristian Arango’s departure, he is still just one piece of the puzzle, according to Cherundolo. Winning games and championships are the ultimate goal for LAFC, and Bouanga will continue to be an important player if he can maintain his form and continue to contribute consistently in the future.
Bouanga’s versatility has been another asset for LAFC this season, with the forward adjusting to different positions depending on the needs of the team. While he has played mostly as a winger, Bouanga has also played as a center-forward and right-winger, scoring goals and assisting his teammates no matter where he starts.
As Bouanga continues to grow as a player and LAFC aims to win championships, the team will rely on his individual brilliance, but it will also require him to be a part of a larger team effort. If Bouanga can continue to be a consistent threat for LAFC while improving his decision-making and team play, he has the potential to become one of the biggest stars in MLS.
