In Focus: Sharp enjoying Hollywood ending at LA Galaxy

Billy Sharp seemed an unlikely candidate to follow in the footsteps of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. 

Yet that is exactly the role in which the veteran striker has been cast, having signed for LA Galaxy. 

The 37-year-old might no longer look like leading man material but he has proved an instant hit in Hollywood, proving his box office worth with a flurry of goals. 

Ahead of Galaxy's clash with Real Salt Lake on Saturday night, we look at how Sharp is providing the cutting edge for the Major League Soccer franchise. 

Sharp shooter

Much-travelled Sharp had spent the last eight seasons of his career at Sheffield United, in what was his third spell with his boyhood club. 

His contract expired in the summer following the Blades' promotion to the Premier League and in August, he got the surprise call from Los Angeles. 

Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney has explained why the MLS outfit made the move for Sharp. 

He said: "For us, it was a player who we felt could be as plug-and-play as you could possibly get from outside the league. 

"Because of his experiences, because of the nature and the challenges of the different levels that he has played at. 

"And also because of the humility that he brings to a team and to a locker room." 

Galaxy's faith has been rewarded, with Sharp scoring six goals in his first 10 games for the US club. 

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Beach life

As much as Vanney makes out that Sharp was a natural choice of signing, a player of his age, who only scored twice in the Championship last season, surely qualifies as a left-field choice. 

For the striker, the decision to leave England for the first time in his career was an easy one. 

Sharp said: "I didn't really have much time to think about it. I got the phone call and I couldn't wait to get here. 

"As soon as I got the visa, I was raring to go. It took me a couple of games to get up to speed but I feel good now and I'm really enjoying it." 

Sheffield United fans do not have to worry about the club legend letting life in Hollywood go to his head. 

He added: "To be honest, where I live is not what I see of Los Angeles on TV. I've done the open-top bus around Beverly Hills and that's the moment where you think: 'I'm in LA'.

"But that's too hustle-bustle for me. I like it more relaxing, that's why I chose to live by the beach, which I'm lucky to do. 

"It's much more enjoyable for the family as well. It's been amazing, waking up, the sun's shining and I'm doing the best job in the world." 

Play-off hopes

If it all seems like a dream come true for Sharp, there is a harsher reality for the forward to deal with. 

LA Galaxy are five-time MLS Cup winners but no longer rank as one of the top teams in the US. 

A 5-2 defeat to Minnesota United over the weekend ended any hopes of qualifying for the 2023 Playoffs. 

Galaxy have the option to extend Sharp's contract for the 2024 season. 

To persuade them to do so, he may need to provide some blockbuster performances in the last two games of the current campaign.