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Since its been announced that Christian Wilhelmsson will not be returning to the LA Galaxy next year, we'll begin with his tenture with the LA Galaxy this year. Match Impact Rating creator Patrick Johnston informs LAG Confidential that Wilhelmsson averaged an MIR of 29.4 with .33 points per 90 minutes. That's considered about average in MIR.
LA got nine appearances from Wilhelmsson this season in the regular and postseason, seven of those were starts. One goal and one assist over that time (though several believe he should have had two goals) gives him his points per 90. Chippen also missed two regular season matches due to injury, and two postseason matches. Wilhelmsson joined the Galaxy on September 5th, and scored in his debut against the Colorado Rapids.
Given Wilhelmsson's salary of $190,650, that puts him at $31,368 per 90 minutes. That might seem like a lot, especially considering there are MLS rookies who make less than that on the year, but Robbie Keane made about $100,539 per 90 minutes this year.
Had Wilhelmsson lived up to fan expectations he would have been a bargains bargain. A winger to stretch the side of the field opposite Donovan, with Keane and Buddle up top. Things didn't go according to play, both Buddle and Wilhelmsson looked out of sorts and adjustments had to be made.
That meant players who played at Chippen's pay grade for longer (players like Magee and Omar Gonzalez) put that salary figure once again in a different perspective. Wilhelmsson had a fine impact in a few of his appearances, but he wasn't worth it when the Galaxy have to renegotiate with Mike Magee and try and find a way to hold onto Omar Gonzalez.
In short, Chippen was average, took up an international slot, and would command the MLS maximum salary next year (heaven forbid the Galaxy made him a DP). Not an efficient use of funds.