LAG Confidential - LA Galaxy sign loan deal with Brazilian forward Samuel The Jewel of MLS Blogshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50693/lag-fav.png2014-01-07T13:32:33-08:00http://www.lagconfidential.com/rss/stream/50494072014-01-07T13:32:33-08:002014-01-07T13:32:33-08:00Arena: Trying to shore up our target position
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<p>Bruce Arena talked to reporters today alongside the USMNT camp about his newest signing Samuel of Fluminense. The target forward was something the Galaxy had been looking at for some time, even going down to Brazil to scout him in person. The signing address a weakness the Galaxy had last season.</p>
<p>Only eight of their 54 goals scored in MLS play came via the head, about fifteen percent. From August 18th through the end of the season the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lagconfidential.com/">LA Galaxy</a> scored no goals via the head. Only 6% of their shots came from inside the six yard box. The LA Galaxy were shooting through defenses last season, only rarely going over or past them.</p>
<p>"Samuel's a forward from Fluminense, we've seen him in person about a month ago watched him on film he's the kind of player we think we need on our team a big strong athletic forward. Plays well in front of the goal, he will be a presense in front of the goal. He's a young player with a lot of potential and we need to get him here in Los Angeles and see how he fits in with our team."</p>
<p>Arena went on to say that without taking anything away from <span>Robbie Keane</span> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110934/landon-donovan">Landon Donovan</a>, there are times when you need a stronger physical presense up top. He admitted a lack of a target forward was a weakness last season, which would explain why the Galaxy were rumoured to be in on Eddie Johnson. The club needs someone who can go up high. When Omar Gonzalez is your lone target on set pieces, there's an issue. It also seems Arena isn't done looking for physical forwards.</p>
<p>"We're going to follow up this week with probably another player who can play in that position as well. We're trying to shore up our target position ... you'll see later this week or next week we're going to sign a player who offers us those [target forward] qualities as well."</p>
<p>If there isn't a signing announced at the end of the week it's likely to come next week. Deals are never done 'till they're done and last year Arena claimed for weeks that he was a week away from signing a DP replacement after Beckham left. Still, the offseason moves thus far show it's clear that Arena is not satisfied with a forward corps consisting of Donovan, Keane, and a bunch of prospects.</p>
https://www.lagconfidential.com/2014/1/7/5285382/transfer-rumor-bruce-arena-LA-Galaxy-shore-up-our-target-positionJosie Becker2014-01-07T09:35:39-08:002014-01-07T09:35:39-08:00LA Galaxy sign loan deal with forward Samuel
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<figcaption>Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Spor</figcaption>
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<p>The LA Galaxy have signed 22 year old Brazilian forward Samuel on loan from Brazilian Serie A side Fluminese. Recently linked with Real Madrid B, Samuel scored 15 goals in 72 appearances across all competitions over the last two years with Fluminese.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lagconfidential.com/">LA Galaxy</a> have signed 22 year old Brazilian forward Samuel on loan from Brazilian Serie A side Fluminese. Recently linked <a href="http://globoesporte.globo.com/futebol/times/fluminense/noticia/2013/08/flu-recusa-proposta-de-emprestimo-do-real-madrid-b-por-samuel.html" target="_blank">with Real Madrid B</a>, Samuel scored 15 goals in 72 appearances across all competitions over the last two years with Fluminese.</p>
<p>Samuel debuted for Fluminese in 2012 scoring five goals in 23 appearances as the club went on to win their fourth championship. This past season he had 45 appearances in all competitions. He's been professional since 2009, with Internacional's youth team.</p>
<p>"We are pleased to add Samuel to our roster," said LA Galaxy Head Coach and General Manager Bruce Arena. "Samuel is a young, talented forward with both size and skill. We are confident his addition will help boost our attack in 2014."</p>
<p>Bruce Arena stated when the offseason began that a target forward was on his list for acquisition, and it seems he's got his man in Samuel. With fellow Brazilians Juninho, Leonardo, and <span>Marcelo Sarvas</span> on the squad he should have a sizeable welcome squad. Arena can put <span>Robbie Rogers</span> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110934/landon-donovan">Landon Donovan</a> on the wings and let <span>Gyasi Zardes</span> take a step back as a super sub.</p>
<p>A forward with size is something LA lacked, and it left them without a target in the penalty area for long balls. It's why the club was in on <span>Eddie Johnson</span>, and why Arena valued Edson Buddle. Juninho and Leonardo both originally came over to LA on loan deals, so this could end up a long term signing.</p>
<p>Samuel's complete stats are below:</p>
<p><b>Player:</b> Samuel</p>
<p><b>Position:</b> Forward</p>
<p><b>Height:</b> 6'1"</p>
<p><b>Weight:</b> 190 pounds</p>
<p><b>Date of Birth: </b> February 25, 1991</p>
<p><b>Hometown:</b> São Borja, Brazil</p>
<p><b>Citizenship:</b> Brazil</p>
<p><b>How Acquired: </b>On loan from Fluminese on January 7, 2014</p>
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https://www.lagconfidential.com/2014/1/7/5284346/la-galaxy-sign-loan-deal-with-brazilian-forward-samuelJosie Becker