'Robbie Keane has been the best player in the league' - LA Galaxy coach Bruce Arena

9 Nov 2012 08:45:00

The Galaxy coach sang his striker's praises after the Boys in Green record goalscorer's brace against San Jose ensured a place in the final of the play off

LA Galaxy manager Bruce Arena has said that Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane has been 'the best player in the league' upon his return from the European Championships during the summer.

The former Tottenham striker bagged two goals in a 3-1 victory against San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday November 7 to help propel Galaxy into the play off final of MLS Western Conference and Bruce sang the praises of the 32-year-old.

"Robbie's a great player," Arena told the club's official website. "Robbie, since he's come back from the European Championship, has been the best player in the league.

"He scores big goals, he's competitive, he's bought into MLS, he likes LA, he's a great leader on our team and, when the whistle blows, he's ready to play. He's a great competitor."

Speaking after the game, Keane, who has now scored 16 goals in 23 games said: "We knew if we scored a goal, we'd get a few more. We knew we'd always get chances.

"That was the case. We got the first goal, and then they sat back and let us play the game we like to play, get the ball to feet and that was the difference tonight," he added.

Keane has not been included in the Ireland squad to face Greece on Wednesday November 14, due to his club commitments.