LA Galaxy coach believes Matheus Nascimento is evolving: ‘he's adapting’

The arrival of 21-year-old Matheus Nascimento at LA Galaxy was one of the biggest surprises of the first half of the 2025 MLS transfer window. The promise of Botafogo came on loan for a year, and so far he hasn't received many minutes on the pitch in the shirt of the reigning US champions.

In a press conference held on Thursday (27), Galaxy coach Greg Vanney gave his impressions of the young centre-forward on the pitch and spoke about whether he will get more playing time in the team's next fixture.

‘I think Matheus is developing and is adapting to the group, the new league, the ‘world’ he's living in now, which is perhaps different to where he was (Botafogo) before. I'm just starting to see him adapt to the group and continue to have a better understanding of what his roles will be when we don't have the ball, but also in terms of positioning, of him being where we need him to be, there's no doubt that those things are happening with him,’ said Vanney.

MATHEUS NASCIMENTO & GABRIEL PEC: the new LA Galaxy duo?

The coach then pointed out some ‘flashes’ that he saw in the Brazilian on the pitch, especially in his partnership with former Vasco man Gabriel Pec.

‘In each of those games, I saw some little ‘flashes’ of things that can really help our team. But I also saw other things from a young player who is adapting to a new team, a new league, a new environment. In the last game, he came on the pitch and really managed to compete to try and hold up some balls in attack, something I hadn't seen from him yet. He made a few good passes, especially one to Gabe (Pec), who ended up being cut out. But he (Matheus) had some good flashes and we're seeing how he settles in’.

Finally, Greg Vanney concluded by explaining that it's necessary to be patient with Matheus Nascimento's development, and not to put him on the pitch until he's ready to match it.

‘He was brought here, he's a young player and it's important that we give him the ‘tools’ and the opportunity to adapt and become the best version possible. Not just throw him on the pitch and he'll figure out what needs to be done on his own. He has potential, and he can become the striker who can really help us, but I think he needs the right steps to do that,’ concluded the coach.

LA Galaxy's next challenge

Still without a win in MLS 2025, the reigning champions will try to break their losing streak against Orlando City next Sunday (30) at the Dignity Health Centre, in a match valid for the 6th round of the national competition.