Levi Rothermund
Joseph Paintsil has praised Marco Reus’ intelligence and leadership, highlighting the former Borussia Dortmund captain as a “perfect example” within the LA Galaxy squad despite a deeply frustrating 2025 Major League Soccer campaign.
Galaxy endured a season far removed from expectations, finishing near the bottom of the Western Conference and missing out on the MLS Cup playoffs altogether. The downturn was particularly stark given the club entered the campaign as defending champions, only to be undermined by prolonged winless runs and persistent defensive fragility.
Results rarely reflected the talent available, yet Reus still managed to make his presence felt. The German contributed eight goals and nine assists across all competitions, offering consistency and composure in a team struggling to find rhythm.
“Reus is a perfect example as a midfielder and an attacker as well,” Paintsil told Flashscore in an exclusive interview. “He knows exactly where to put the ball immediately it gets to his feet. He is really intelligent.”
Paintsil also pointed to Reus’ pedigree at the highest level, underlining the value of his experience in a league where game management often proves decisive.
“He has been in the league for so long at Borussia Dortmund. It is something I have always dreamt of — playing with those kind of players. My vision and my dreams are coming true, especially having Marco Reus on my team,” he added.
Beyond raw numbers, Reus’ influence has been felt through leadership and calm authority, qualities that became increasingly important as Galaxy’s season drifted off course.
“He has shown a lot of confidence, maturity and leadership. He is someone that I am really looking forward to sharing the pitch with,” Paintsil said.
Paintsil also highlighted the tactical impact of Reus’ developing partnership with Riqui Puig, noting how their shared preference for quick combinations has helped Galaxy in advanced areas.
“Having Reus alongside Riqui Puig is like the best combination because they like to play short passes, like Barcelona,” he explained. “Riqui enjoys playing with him, and it helps us a lot, especially during offensive transitions.”
While the 2025 season ultimately ended in disappointment for LA Galaxy, Paintsil remains optimistic that experienced figures such as Reus can provide a foundation for recovery. If the club can address its defensive issues and restore balance, the intelligence and leadership at the heart of the team may yet prove decisive in the seasons ahead.