Did LAFC Find Its Sheriff? | OneFootball

You know when a player steps onto the field, and from the very first game, he sends a message that he’s not here to mess around? Well, that’s exactly what Marlon Santos did in his 2025 MLS debut with Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC). The guy came in with the intensity of an Old West sheriff, took charge of the defense like he owned the place, and honestly, he probably didn’t even need to ask where the locker room was.

And let's be real, being a center-back doesn’t always get the glory. The spotlight usually falls on the goal-scorers, the creative midfielders, and the keepers pulling off miracles. But when a defender steps up and steals the show like this, you can't help but stop and take notice.

Sure, we could talk all day about playing styles, tactics, and adapting to the league, but the numbers... oh man, the numbers don’t lie. Marlon racked up 12 clearances, 2 tackles, and 1 interception, along with a duel win rate that would make any striker second-guess trying to show off: he won 3 out of 4 ground battles and 6 out of 9 aerial duels.

Marlon wasn’t just showing up to the game, he was running the show. It felt like the guy had been playing the whole season, not just one match. Stat sheets don’t win games, but a defender who puts up these kinds of numbers in his debut is exactly the kind of addition any coach dreams of having.

Soccer in the U.S. is a little different from what we see in Europe or South America. Major League Soccer (MLS), where LAFC plays, isn’t exactly known for its solid defensive play. A lot of games are wide-open, with big scorelines and not much intense marking. So, when a defender steps in and immediately commands respect, that’s not exactly the norm in this league.

LAFC, already one of the most organized teams in the league, may have just found the piece it needs to keep the defense tight all season long. U.S. soccer fans aren't known for being patient with players who disappear in key moments. They want consistency. If Marlon keeps up this kind of performance, he could quickly become one of the most respected names in the league. But if he starts to slide... well, soccer doesn’t forgive.

Marlon Santos isn’t some rookie in professional soccer. He’s played for Barcelona, Fluminense, Nice, and Valencia, he’s been around the block before landing in MLS. And that international experience could be his secret weapon. Unlike many who arrive needing time to get used to the pace of the league, Marlon already has a wealth of experience that puts him ahead in the adaptation process.

Now, MLS isn’t a walk in the park for everyone. Anyone who follows the league knows there have been plenty of European stars who thought they'd dominate, only to struggle to fit in. The game here is physical, fast-paced, with a demanding schedule. If you’re not in top shape, you’re gonna have a tough time. But based on what we saw, Marlon is definitely not one of those guys who’ll fade out.

The competition within LAFC’s roster is fierce. The team doesn’t just sign anyone. If they brought Marlon in, it’s because they see something special in him. Now, it’s up to him to prove game after game that he can be the missing link in that defense.

If there’s one team that’s shown in recent years that it didn’t come to MLS just to mess around, it’s Los Angeles Football Club. Since day one, the club has been one of the most ambitious in the country, both in its style of play and its investment strategy. Marlon Santos’ arrival fits perfectly into that mindset.