LA Galaxy star Steven Gerrard says that new signing Nigel de Jong is a great acquisition for the club and hopes that the pair will forge a great partnership in midfield together.
De Jong, 31, joined the Galaxy after being released by AC Milan this summer and, with Juninho's move to Tijuana in Mexico, Gerrard hopes that the Dutchman's arrival will offer him more freedom.
"Juninho's a fantastic player, but he's a playmaker," Gerrard told MLSsoccer. "He liked the ball at his feet, he likes to pass, he's got good vision. He's got different strengths to his game than Nigel.
"Nigel's your typical No, 4/6, where they sit in there, they're aggressive, they break up their play, and they give it to the players in the team that can do the damage going forward in the final third.
"I'm sure that's what Bruce [Arena, LA's head coach] has told Nigel -- that's what Bruce told me he's told Nigel -- and we're hoping that relationships works with me and Nigel, but we'll have to wait and see. But he's a great acquisition for the club. I've got full confidence in him."
The Galaxy, who are five-time MLS Cup champions, take on DC United on Sunday in their season opener.