By Stephen Tew (staff@latinospost.com) | First Posted: Aug 05, 2015 02:50 PM EDT
Tags Giovanni Dos Santos, LA Galaxy, mexico, Soccer, Mexican Soccer, number 10, landon donovan


And so the torch is passed. After Landon Donovan retired from professional football last year, US Soccer and the LA Galaxy have been trying to replace the legendary forward.

The Galaxy may have just done so with the signing of Mexican playmaker Giovani Dos Santos who joins the reigning MLS champions this week and has been assigned Donovan's famous number 10 jersey.

This could have proved a risky move for Galaxy chiefs, as Donovan is remembered very fondly by Galaxy fans after his 407 appearances for the LA side, in which he scored a massive 177 goals.

However, social media reaction this afternoon has been very positive, as Dos Santos becomes the latest player to join the MLS from a top European League.

Though there were several negative responses to the Galaxy decision as well:

Conspicuous by his absence was Donovan himself who despite being active on Twitter today has not issued his support for the Dos Santos wearing number 10 decision.

Donovan did, however, praise the signing in a recent interview, but has as yet refused to comment on the allocation on his former number to the Mexican.

Dos Santos is set to make his debut later this week and inevitably there will be a huge amount of scrutiny and pressure on the Mexican as he looks to live up to the high standards that come with wearing the Galaxy number 10.

Dos Santos will be aided by recent arrival Steven Gerrard, who the Mexican is excited to join up with.

Whether Dos Santos will be able to live up to the weight of Donovan's number and the pressure he will be under remains to be seen, but the player himself is feeling bullish about his chances and after thanking Donovan for his inspiration he set about distancing himself from the debate.

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