Los Angeles FC manager, Steve Cherundolo believes Denis Bouanga has what it takes to win the 2023 Major League Soccer MVP award after netting a hat-trick in their 3-0 win over Austin FC on Saturday night.
The Gabon international first struck in the 40th minute before adding two more in the 58th and 68th minutes to take his tally for the season to 11 goals in 10 competitive games.
It was also the second time Bouanga would net a hat-trick this season having done so in a 3-0 win over Costa Rican outfit LD Alajuelense in the CONCACAF Champions League, which was the first hat-trick of his career.
Cerundolo asserted that Bouanga’s kind of quality does not require much coaching.
“He’s obviously confident, he’s scoring some great goals,” Cherundolo said on the MLS website.
“I don’t think there’s a lot of coaching going on with a player of Denis’ quality. The guy just scores.
“If we could teach him how to set up goals more often a little better, then he’s hands down the best player in the league.
“There’s still room for improvement, and that’s the scary thing.”
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— LAFC (@LAFC) April 9, 2023
Bouanga, meanwhile, described his latest hat-trick as “magical moment”.
“It’s a magical moment because it’s not given to everyone,” he said.
“I can feel it, every time I have the ball I want to do something. I feel the fans and it makes me want to do even better.”
LAFC’s victory takes them up to third in the MLS Western Conference behind Seattle Sounders and newcomers St. Louis City.
