Just two years after his high-profile move to the United States, Riqui Puig is on the verge of MLS Cup glory with LA Galaxy, a team now moving to the beat set by the former Barcelona player. He now has the opportunity to redeem himself and leave a lasting legacy in North American football.

The Spanish attacking midfielder faces the biggest match of his MLS career this Saturday, as he takes part in the Western Conference final, where Galaxy (second in their conference in the regular season) will host the Seattle Sounders (fourth). In the East, the other MLS Cup finalist will be decided between Orlando City (fourth) and the New York Red Bulls (seventh).

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With Lionel Messi's Inter Miami, Juan Camilo 'Cucho' Hernández's Columbus Crew, and Hugo Lloris and Olivier Giroud's Los Angeles already eliminated, the spotlight is on Galaxy, who boast dangerous wingers such as Brazilian Gabriel Pec and Ghanaian Joseph Paintsil, along with powerful striker Dejan Joveljic.

Riqui Puig's Rhythm: The Engine of Galaxy

However, all of Galaxy's offensive potential undeniably revolves around Puig. The 25-year-old dazzled in the regular season with 13 goals and 15 assists in 29 matches. Only an unexpected loss in the final regular season game kept Galaxy from finishing first in their conference.

But everything is going great for Puig and company in the playoffs. With an overwhelming attack always centered around the Spanish midfielder, Galaxy demolished the Colorado Rapids 5-0 and 1-4 in the first best-of-three series, and in the Western semifinal, they fired off with a resounding 6-2 win against Minnesota United. In these three playoff games, Puig has contributed four goals and two assists.

LA Galaxy: The Most Decorated Team in the U.S.

With stars like David Beckham and Landon Donovan throughout its history, Galaxy is the most successful team in the U.S. with five MLS Cup titles. However, their last victory came back in 2014.

Now, Galaxy is presented with a fantastic opportunity. If they defeat the Sounders, they will play next week’s MLS Cup final at their stadium, Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson (Los Angeles).

Riqui Puig’s Opportunity for Redemption

Moreover, Puig is not only on the brink of success in the U.S. as the heartbeat of Galaxy, but he also has the chance to redeem himself after his controversial departure from Barcelona, the club where he was developed from a young age but could never cement a place in the first team.

"I feel very important, and the coach, my teammates, and the club give me confidence," he commented last March in an interview with EFE about his situation at Galaxy.

"Going back to Europe seems a bit far off right now. I want to stay for a few years, and if I can make a mark within Galaxy, I want people to speak well of me," he added.