CARSON, Calif. -- Los Angeles Galaxy head coach/general manager Bruce Arena was well aware he had a number of areas to address as he embarked on his off-season makeover of the roster.
But one position that did not need attention was the left side of midfield, which was held down by veteran U.S. international Eddie Lewis. The popular 34-year-old simply is the kind of player Arena is counting on to resurrect the once-proud club from its recent doldrums.
"If we had 11 Eddie Lewises," Arena said, "we'd have a pretty good team."
The 5-foot-10, 155-pounder from nearby Cerritos played for the old San Jose Clash, followed by a nine-year stay in England that took him to Fulham, Preston North End, Leeds United and Derby County before he wound up with the Galaxy last August.
Lewis had hoped to play out the final year of his Derby contract, but the English club started to have financial problems that eventually led to a purge of the roster -- "from the top on down," Lewis said -- and the veteran became a victim. MLS then came into the picture and Lewis was more than interested about playing again stateside.
"The Galaxy looked like a real good opportunity and it all fell into place," Lewis said. "My wife (Marisol) and I discussed the possibility about coming home, and everything worked out."
He played eight games for Los Angeles last season, scored one goal and had two assists. His numbers might not be that impressive, but he is a major contributor in another way. If the Galaxy's newcomers needed an example on how a true professional conducts himself, Lewis is the perfect role model.
"In a sport where you often have a lot of prima donnas and egos, you've got a guy who's on solid ground," Arena said of Lewis. "He's a fabulous individual and he commands respect in the lockerroom. He's an honest guy, he gives a great effort every day and he'll do whatever you ask him to do. He always plays for the team first, which for the modern-day player is very unique.
"On top of everything else he happens to be an outstanding player. He's a guy who has the full package, and you rarely see that today. A lot of players are very selfish and think about themselves. Eddie's just a very well-rounded player and greatly respected by the club, not only by the players but management and everyone else. Everyone likes him because of the person he is."
Lewis also was more than willing to share his expertise on playing for the former U.S. national team coach who is running his first full training camp in Los Angeles. Arena's all-business approach may have been difficult for some to get used to, but not Lewis.
"It certainly helps having played for him," he said. "I think knowing his character, what he's about and what he's looking for. I think a part of him bringing me back was to convey that to the players.
"I think he understood me as a player and I knew what he was looking for. I've always been pretty up front with the players about the things we need to take very seriously. I've made it very clear that Bruce wants a high level of competition in training camp. It won't be the longest but it certainly is sharp and very competitive.
"It's also fun to play for him. I think if you ask most of the players whoever played for him they've all had good experiences. He's won a lot more games than he lost."
Lewis said he expects that trend to continue with the Galaxy. Arena went 2-5-3 after taking over the club last Aug. 18.
"Even if it's not immediate success, I certainly know we'll be better," Lewis said. "Having been part of that process is a real joy for me. Hopefully we'll pick up a few trophies along the way."
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