Robbie Keane to LA Galaxy: 10 Reasons Why the Ex-Spurs Striker Will Rule the MLS

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It has been rumoured that former Spurs star Robbie Keane would be leaving White Hart Lane this summer, it was just a matter of where he would end up. The Republic of Ireland front-man made a surprising switch to the MLS, much like former Arsenal and Barcelona talisman Thierry Henry did in 2010.

Keane's addition immediately improves the quality of both the MLS and the Los Angeles Galaxy's starting XI. He is already receiving rave reviews from his stellar debut and rightfully so. He has played in only one game since his arrival, but the Galaxy are hopeful that Keane will live up to his £3.5 million over the next two years.

Here are 10 reasons why Robbie Keane will rule the MLS for the next two seasons at least.

Fresh Legs

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Robbie Keane is coming off a disappointing 2009-10 season in which he was only featured in 20 games for Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United. On the bright side, Keane should have fresh legs for his debut season in the MLS and that bodes very well for the LA Galaxy's £3.5 million investment in the striker.

One Game, One Goal

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It did not take long for Robbie Keane to get his first MLS goal. In fact, it only took 21 minutes.

True, his first game was against a team he probably had never heard of, the San Jose Earthquakes, but a goal and a victory is a great debut for any player in any league. And for that, Keane deserves to take a bow.

Goal-Scoring Record

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Simple logic would suggest that Keane is destined for success in the MLS. Why? His goal-scoring record. In 550 career club games, Keane has netted an impressive 211 goals.

Keane has also shown that he is a prolific goal-scoring hit-man for the Republic of Ireland, bagging 51 goals in 109 appearances.

Raw Talent

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Keane's raw talent speaks for itself. The striker is formerly of Inter Milan, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, making him one of the most successful European footballers to play in the MLS.

The best part of the deal for Keane is that he is joining the most talented team in MLS, which features the likes of David Beckham and Landon Donovan.

World Class Finishing

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Needless to say, Robbie has a keen eye for goal. The Republic of Ireland international will hardly ever pass up the opportunity to shoot, making him an ideal poacher for the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Any service from David Beckham or Landon Donovan to Keane has the chance to be put in the back of the net.

Gulf in Class

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No disrespect to the MLS, but the English Premier League is in a class of its own with respect to talent and class and so is Robbie Keane.

Keane has been one of the top goal-scorers in the Premier League era since 1992. His level of class is evident just from watching the way he strikes the ball.

Joining the Best Team in MLS

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To make the transition even easier for Keane, he is joining a team that already has play makers David Beckham and Landon Donovan.

Surely, the Galaxy are the best in the MLS now—if they weren't already before. Look out for Keane bagging the goals and Beckham and Donovan to tally the assists as we near the MLS Playoffs.

The Second Best Striker in the MLS Behind Thierry Henry

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Keane is arguably the second best MLS forward behind the former French international Thierry Henry. In 18 games this season, Henry has netted 11 goals and four assists.

However, Keane may be destined for more goals than Henry in the latter stages of this season. The Frenchman is required to be the primary play maker and goal-scorer for the New York Redbulls, whereas Keane will just be asked to play as a poacher. Advantage, Robbie.

Experience Is a Virtue

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The 14 years of experience gathered by Robbie Keane since 1997 will have a big impact on his ability to adapt to the MLS quickly.

Thus, it was no surprise that Keane marked his debut with a goal in the first 21 minutes of play against the San Jose Earthquakes.

First Team Opportunity

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After not receiving a steady dose of playing time for Spurs or West Ham United in 2010-11, Keane's move to the LA Galaxy almost assures him first team football every week.

The Galaxy's best formation featuring Keane would be a 4-4-1-1, with Donovan playing just behind the Republic of Ireland international.