Not all friendlies are created equal.
Every MLS team is preparing for the 2019 season with preseason matches, but not many are lining up for an international friendly with a side claiming three World Cup winners on the books. There is a very good chance we'll see Andres Iniesta, Lukas Podolski, and David Villa on the pitch at the same time against the Black & Gold on Thursday at Banc of California Stadium.
With that kind of talent on the pitch, there's a lot that can be gained from a match likes this. It's the second preseason match of 2019 for LAFC, let's take a look at the keys to the friendly with Vissel Kobe:
Build On Training
Friendlies are like a reward in preseason. After the grind of getting fit and competing day in and day out against teammates, LAFC players get a chance to showcase what they've been working to start the year. So make sure you're doing just that. This match is a chance to bring the ideas from the training ground to fruition against live competition.
Players should make sure to take every opportunity to impress and not be afraid to make mistakes, as long as they are executing the kinds of things they've been learning over the past two weeks.
Continue To Progress
In addition to laying a foundation with football ideas for 2019, the other goal of preseason is to get fit.
Players and coaches alike will tell you there's no substitute for match fitness. Continue to use these opportunities to up your level. Whether it's playing 45 minutes or even 60, the goal is to move that much closer to being 90-minute fit.
Take It All In
Every athlete lives for competition and the chance to show their level. With the likes of Iniesta, Villa, and Podolski lining up opposite LAFC, Thursday is an opportunity that doesn't come around often. Any player entering the pitch should take a moment to breathe it all in.
Not to mention, it's the first match for many players at Banc of California Stadium. And with fans getting their first chance to watch the team in 2019, we're expecting it to be loud from start to finish. Go out there with enthusiasm and ready to show what you've got.
