Real Salt Lake vs. LA Galaxy - 3 questions celebrity edition

Well since there isn't a SB Nation LA Galaxy blog, I figured I would find someone uniquely qualified to answer my 3 questions about LA this week.  None other than the #1 overall pick in the 2003 MLS SuperDraft, the 2004 MLS Cup MVP, the guy it took new RSL head coach less than 3 weeks to trade for in 2007, and one of the overall good guys to ever play in MLS Alecko Eskandarian.

First, let me thank you for taking some time to answer my 3 questions about the Los Angeles Galaxy, so lets start with the most obvious question:  

1) LA was a quality side in 2009 finishing at the top of the Western Conference and advancing to the MLS Cup final, but nobody was thinking they would be undefeated after 12 matches of the 2010 season, how would you explain this exceptional start?

Answer:  I am not at all surprised by the great start for the Galaxy this year. Bruce Arena has done an amazing job reassembling the roster and bringing in players that can contribute right away. There are some veteran guys who have brought leadership and experience, mixed with younger players who are learning from the older players and getting better every day. The team improves each day in practice and it pays off at the end of the day with the results they have been getting.

more after the jump:

2) Early in the season almost all the attention was on the hot start of Edson and Landon, but now with them gone for a couple weeks to me it seems like the best story of the year might be Michael Stephens, my leading Rookie of the year candidate, his goal and 6 assists have really helped out the team.  What can you tell us about this young rising player?

Answer: I think Stephens is a very good example of a young player who has come in with a good attitude and taken advantage of the opportunity he was given. To be honest, I'm not sure he would have been in the lineup if not for injuries to Dema Kovalenko and some others. But he stepped in and has really worked hard and made a positive impact in every game he has played. Now it would be very difficult to see him out of the starting 11. Even though his stats look great, I think he has done a great job defensively as well which has earned him the respect of his teammates.

3)  The Galaxy offense is the top scoring offense in the league, the defense is the stingiest in the league, you have been around MLS for a while now, have you ever seen a more complete team than the current Galaxy squad?  

Answer:  Well its been a great start, but its way too early to compare this team to other teams in MLS history. I know Bruce and all the players won't be satisfied unless they are raising the MLS Cup at the end of the year so they won't let this early success get to their heads.. My old coach Peter Nowak used to always say, "No one ever wins the MLS Cup in May or June" so there is a long way to go. With that said, this team is very complete and deep, and reminds me of the 2006 DC United team I was on that locked up the Supporter's Shield in August. Lots of similarities with both teams having experienced veterans mixed with young talent.

Bonus question: Who is your pick to win the World Cup?

Answer: I pick Brazil to win the World Cup!

Thanks again to Alecko for taking time to help me out on this, if you never seen him play, you have missed watching one of the good ones.  I can thank him for one of my fondest MLS memories, it was the DC United match against the new re-branded Red Bulls:  Here are his recent thoughts on that celebration:

Thanks for always being entertaining on and off the pitch.  If you want to follow him on twitter just follow him and enjoy.

OFF MY SOAPBOX