For the first time since David Beckham's arrival in 2007, the Los Angeles Galaxy practice field was a breeding ground for journalists and reporters alike on Tuesday. Hundreds of media members swarmed the team's practice field for a glimpse of England's newest import, Steven Gerrard.
Gerrard took to the practice field for the first time since announcing he would join the Galaxy last November. Tuesday's training session was open to the media and it was lights, camera, action as nearly three-dozen cameras lined the sidelines of the pitch for a snapshot of England's captain.
"He fit right in right away," forward Alan Gordon said. "It's like he's been here for a while. He's not a loud guy, but he has a presence."
Current Galaxy captain and 2014 MLS MVP Robbie Keane helped make Gerrard's acclimation with the team as seamless as possible. Keane and Gerrard were teammates with Liverpool and the two stars share the same agent.
"I've known Stevie from playing with him on Liverpool," Keane said. "He's a great lad off the field, and a tremendous player on the field. He's going to be a terrific player for this football club."
Keane joked that he advised Gerrard and his family to use plenty of sunscreen with an SPF of 50+ while living in Los Angeles. He also said he would recommend a few restaurants and businesses for him to go to.
Gerrard didn't show too many signs of rust on the pitch considering he hasn't played in over six weeks since he scored Liverpool's only goal in a 6-1 beat down by Stoke City in the Premier League finale.
The 35-year-old midfielder set up his teammates with pinpoint passing during 9-on-9 scrimmages. One of the recipients of those passes is a former Premier League player himself and new member of the Galaxy, Sebastian Lletget.
"We were linking up well, the play increases in speed with Robbie and Stevie," Lletget said. "They're both so intelligent, as long as you're on the same wavelength we'll do good stuff."
Gerrard is expected to make his Galaxy debut this Saturday in the International Champions Cup match against Liga MX champions Club America at StubHub Center.
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