MLS defender thinks MLS defenders are why Carlos Vela is so good

Oswaldo Alanis was the San Jose Earthquakes’ big addition in the offseason, the defender joining the Quakes on loan from Chivas.

Alanis is a good player, who somehow fell out of favor in Guadalajara (not the first time that’s happened at that club) and he’s a Mexican international, who knows Los Angeles Football Club star Carlos Vela at least a little bit.

Speaking to the Spanish-language press recently, Alanis says Vela’s success in MLS is due to...MLS defenders.

“Although the league is competitive, in the defensive sector there are some things that are still costly and need to be worked on, that favor a player like him.” Yikes.

I’m not sure if Alanis realized he was throwing major shade on Vela or if he was merely using his compatriot as some kind of example for why MLS needs to advance, but he did cover himself a bit by crediting Vela’s talent, too.

“But he has quality and in any league he will do it, we have seen it in the Spanish league that he did what he wanted,” Alanis said.

Should make that next Quakes-LAFC matchup a little more interesting!

More news for Tuesday:

• Griezmann’s love for Vela: Speaking of Carlitos and respect, his football BFF Antoine Griezmann, who is very online, responded to a mock all-time XI of great teammates with the Barcelona star by asking where Vela was on it. Love it.

• Ureña on the move to South Korea: Marco Ureña had been reported to be on the move, and the former LAFC striker has signed with K-League side Gwangju FC. Ureña spent last year back home in Costa Rica with Alajuelense, but now he moves to a third continent to continue his career.

• Catch LAFC’s 2019 home win over RSL: LAFC released their “LAFC in 30” episode from about a year ago, when LAFC hosted Real Salt Lake and won late in dramatic fashion. If the video doesn’t populate below, check out the direct link.

Today’s question: Was Alanis really throwing shade at Vela or was he just a bit clumsy with his point that there’s room for growth for his fellow defenders in MLS? Let’s chat in the comments below.