Robbie Keane Report Card: Rating His LA Galaxy Performance So Far

Welcome back to school, Robbie Keane!

It has only been five weeks since the Irish legend made his much-anticipated move to Hollywood.

That is just enough time for me to give a friendly Report Card and grade his impact so far with the Galaxy.

I will analyze each of his classes (Economics, Individuality, Public Speaking) and determine whether or not his transfer has been successful.

Well, without further a do, here is Robbie Keane’s first month Report Card.  

Economics (Economic Impact)

Economically, Keane has been nothing short of fantastic as the new super-stud of the MLS.

Every marquee name that suddenly arrives in the league is expected to make a big difference not just on the pitch, but also in the bank.

That is exactly what Keane has done over the last month.

His jersey has become one of the MLS’ top sellers and is even being bought Internationally by some of his fanatic Irish supporters.

Although attendance hasn’t really increased due to LA’s consistent fan base, and it did cost a fair amount to get him to cross the Atlantic, he still manages to pass this course. B+

Individuality (Personal Performance)

It is not surprising that since arriving Robbie Keane has become one of the hottest strikers in the league.

In just three MLS games, Keane has two goals and an assist and is a constant threat in the attacking third.

Though he may not get all the glory, Keane’s presence requires multiple defenders to be anxiously aware at all times, providing opportunities for teammates as the opponents struggle to multitask.

His play has been noteworthy and celebrations have been inspiring. You can’t ask for much more than that. A-

Public Speaking (Media Performance)

Keane took a boat-load of criticism by Irish fans for apparently taking the easy route and leaving Europe for the “inadequate” MLS last month.

However, Keane handled the fan revolt fairly well and labeled his move to the Galaxy as a “dream,” gaining respect from fans around the league.

Though we’ve heard very few sentences from the Irishmen since his press conference, he seems to be on good terms with the media.

That is really the only set of terms he can afford to be on right now. B+

The Final Grade

The real question by critics of this move was “Does LA really need this?”

JPA clearly wasn’t the answer at the striker spot, yet the Galaxy still looked set to take home the Supporters Shield even without a 4 million dollar investment.

It seemed as though LA was just unnecessarily adding to their embarrassment of riches that would do no more than assert their already recognized superiority.

Yet it has become evident that the move for Robbie Keane had little to do with the MLS and a lot to do with the Galaxy’s bigger plans: To win the CONCACAF Champions League.

LA might have been a great MLS team without the Irishmen, but in the CCL, it would have been extremely difficult to take home the crown with Mike Magee and Chad Barrett at the helm.

With Beckham’s contract ending in November and Donovan slowly approaching the end of his career, the LA Front Office had a revelation.

This might be the Galaxy’s only chance to achieve greatness and do something no American club has ever done before.

If Keane can continue to make an impact on and off the pitch, there is no doubt in my mind that we may label him one of the greatest transfers in MLS history one day.

Simply put, Keane has shown he has the potential to make history, and that in itself is worthy of a high grade. A-.