Laurent Ciman plays a position better known for taking than giving.
As a center back, Ciman is tasked with taking space, taking away opportunities, and taking away the confidence of attackers after 90 minutes of futility. Center backs aren’t the giving type. And this season, LAFC fans have been witness to the Belgian’s countless heists through goal line clearances, last-ditch tackles, and towering shot blocks.
But as the first captain in LAFC history and first goal scorer at Banc of California Stadium, Ciman is just as well known for what he has given to the Club.
A player that knows only one speed, Ciman’s cavalier approach to defense is never boring. Just as capable of the highest of highs, as he is the lowest of lows, and all in the space of the same match, the General has a penchant for the spectacular.
And while that gambling streak can be equal parts infuriating or breathtaking, depending on how the gamble plays out, there’s little doubt between his rocket free kicks, passion-fueled celebrations, and dedication to Banc of California Stadium’s North End that Ciman has cemented his contribution to the budding legacy of LAFC.
So, with the surprise announcement of the Belgian’s transfer to Ligue 1 side Dijon FCO on Tuesday, it’s fair to wonder how the Club fills the void left by one of the key members of its inaugural season. But few MLS teams in their first season have compiled the depth LAFC has acquired in a little over year since the signing of its first Designated Player in Carlos Vela.
With Ciman’s departure, LAFC retain three natural center backs in the squad in Walker Zimmerman, Danilo Silva, and Dejan Jakovic. While none of the three are a direct clone of Ciman’s skillset, each has shown the ability to marshal LAFC’s backline when called upon.
Zimmerman has been the most accomplished of the three in Black & Gold, forging a partnership with Ciman that has been the platform of LAFC’s forward-thinking style. The 1.33 goals conceded per match by LAFC with Zimmerman on the pitch is just a shade below Ciman’s 1.45. And for long stretches of the season, Zimmerman has been the balancing force in LAFC’s center-back equation. For every Ciman foray forward, there’s been Zimmerman positioned to put out any fires that might arise.
In terms of possession, Zimmerman is also a bit more conservative. While he’s on the lookout for incisive passes through the lines, Zimmerman is a bit more level-headed in when he attempts those passes, as opposed to Ciman’s eager approach. The result is fewer balls coming straight back at defenders and LAFC’s maintaining of possession for longer periods, which has been the side’s best from of defense at times this season.
Jakovic has been the utility man off the bench for LAFC. Look no further than his contribution against the Galaxy on August 24 to see what he brings. With LAFC down a goal, the Canadian was thrust onto the pitch with little warmup and Zlatan Ibrahimović already a goal to the good and hunting for more. Jakovic put in a Man of The Match performance in his 63 minutes. Partnering Zimmerman, Jakovic held Ibrahimović and the Galaxy scoreless while he was on the pitch, and even forced the big Swede into picking up a yellow card for diving after being frustrated by substitute’s timely tackles.
In Silva, LAFC have a natural replacement for Ciman, a defender that has played at the highest levels in Europe and Brazil. Between his familiarity with Bob Bradley and his seamless transition into LAFC’s starting 11, the defender has proven to be another shrewd midseason acquisition by LAFC GM John Thorrington.
Again, Silva is a slightly more conservative defender than Ciman. Silva's ability to read matches at a high level though produces many of the same intended effects. In his first start against Sporting KC, the Brazilian stepped up into the play at timely instances and finished the match with two interceptions, one tackle, and a 90 percent pass completion rate.
Beyond those three, LAFC have further depth in Jordan Harvey and Steven Beitashour. Although both have played solely in fullback roles this season, each has experience at center back in their career. While rookies João Moutinho and Tristan Blackmon, recently recalled from a loan stint at Phoenix Rising of the USL, have also spent time at center back in training and in matches.
The issue of LAFC’s second captain in Club history appears, at least for now, to have been settled before Ciman’s transfer was announced.
Vela wore the captain’s armband in the defender’s absence against the Galaxy last week and looks to be the long-term option going forward.
Beyond Vela, LAFC remain just as deep in leadership as they are in defense. Veteran Benny Feilhaber, along with Beitashour and Harvey, have all been singled out as leaders by Bradley, in addition to Vela, since they arrived at the Club. The head coach continues to maintain the approach that leaders don’t lead only with an armband on. So while Feilhaber, Harvey, and Beitashour may be without the official symbol of the captaincy, their actions and words in training, the locker room, and on the pitch go much further to being a captain than a piece of material around their arms.
The timing of his transfer notwithstanding, Ciman will be missed. As the first captain and first goal scorer at the Banc, his legacy in Black & Gold will never be forgotten. His contributions are much like the Sha-La-La chant he brought to LAFC and its Supporters. The chant is handed off for a different player to lead after each victory. And so, new players will step in to continue the Club’s story.
And they’ll continue to make history.
