French defender Maxime Chanot didn’t stay away from MLS long. After departing the league in 2023, he appeared in 21 matches for French Ligue 2 side, AC Ajaccio, and in March of 2024, was signing on to play for Los Angeles FC. Before his Euro trip, Chanot spent seven seasons in the MLS playing for New York City FC, where he made over 150 appearances. So while the team did get him form overseas, he still very much fit the MLS veteran profile the side has leaned on in the last few years.
A defender joins the ranks 💪
Welcome to Los Angeles, Maxime Chanot. pic.twitter.com/CHhPDoRgMC
— LAFC (@LAFC) March 27, 2024
As far as first impressions go, Chanot’s wasn’t bad at all for Los Angeles in his first season at the club. He finished with 23 appearances and 15 starts in the MLS regular season for the black & gold tallying over 1300 minutes. He did well in the passing game, finishing with 91% successful pass percentage with over 850 passes. He was also able to set up goal opportunities, coming away with two assists on the season.
Maxime Chanot with the goal line save to keep it scoreless 💪#LAFCvSEA pic.twitter.com/2I6a6l3T04
— LAFC (@LAFC) November 24, 2024
Defensively, the Frenchman had several highlight moments en route to a solid first year in Los Angeles. Chanot won 65% of his aerial duels, coming away with 48 duels won. He also tallied 40 clearances as well as had a few goal line saves to help keep sheets clean the best he could. Despite the year away, it didn’t seem like Chanot lost a step in terms of his ability to play in the league, and while he wasn’t always the first name chosen, he was more times than not, a proven commodity when selected, hardly putting a foot wrong. For defenders the best you can ask for is to have a few key tackles, clear out anything that comes your way, and most importantly, don’t be the reason your side concedes. Chanot was able to do that in 2024, and now focus shifts to the upcoming season. With plenty of change at the back incoming, Chanot is in prime position to take on some more responsibility and cement a more consistent spot along the back throughout the season.
Thoughts on Chanot in 2024? Leave a comment below!