LAFC acquires Spanish forward Mario González from SC Braga: How does he help the team?

LAFC has acquired Spanish forward Mario González from Portugal’s Sporting Clube de Braga using targeted allocation money, the MLS side announced Saturday. Here’s what you need to know:

The Athletic’s instant analysis:

Primarily a No. 9, González is adept at playing across the front line. Among his strongest attributes is his anticipation; he wins aerial and ground duels in the box at a good rate, despite not being a dominant physical presence. He’s a “fox in the box”-type striker, at his best when teammates create opportunities from wide, but he is also effective in one-v-one situations.

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He spent last season on loan at OH Leuven, finishing as the club’s top goalscorer with 13 goals in 22 league appearances as it finished mid-table. — Burke

In González, coach Steve Cherundolo finally has a natural striker to replace Cristian “Chicho” Arango, who departed before the start of the season.

The current MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield holders have struggled to find the net in recent weeks as top goalscorer Denis Bouanga and designated player Carlos Vela’s goalscoring rate has slowed from open play. González frees the burden from the wide forwards, offering a focal point centrally who can contribute to the team’s possession-based style while providing a much-needed cutting edge in front of goal. — Burke

In 2021-22, González scored six goals in 16 games while on loan with CD Tenerife of the Spanish Second Division. He had 14 goals in 27 games with Tondela in the Portuguese First Division in 2020-21.

González previously spent nine years in Villareal’s youth system before joining the club in 2012 and making his senior debut in 2016. When he was at Villareal, González scored four goals in 21 appearances while on loan to French