Derrick Williams has settled in quickly to life in Los Angeles – as well as the Galaxy defence.

Williams made his third start for the club in a 2-0 win over Austin last night, having made his first start, and home debut, when clocking up an assist in a 2-1 win over LAFC, in what was his first 90 minutes since December, last weekend.

The 28-year-old failed to feature for Rovers in 2021 because of an injury, but made the switch to LA Galaxy in March, but was ruled out of the opening two games of the MLS season.

The Republic of Ireland international was a second half substitute on matchday three, as Galaxy lost 3-0 at Seattle Sounders, but he helped them to a third win in four matches last time out, claiming an assist for Chicharito’s opening goal, before a second successive shut-out against Austin.

And after leaving Rovers following four-and-a-half years with the club, Williams, said: “The city, I love it. “And my missus and my little one are really enjoying it as well because the weather and we can go to the parks and stuff like that. It’s been really nice.”

As for life on the pitch, he’s wanting to show his leadership qualities to help improve the side’s defensive output, but admits he’s still getting up to speed with his fitness.

He added: “I try to be a leader in the back.

“That’s one of my goals for the rest of the season to get a lot more shutouts and, as a team, defend better.

“LAFC was the first game we felt like we were defending as a team. We looked pretty solid and I felt they couldn’t break us down, so it was a lot better. I like to let the forwards know that they’re not going to have an easy game. I’m still not match fit just yet, but I know after a few games, I’ll get my match fitness up and get my awareness back.”

Galaxy coach Greg Vanney has been impressed with the impact that Williams has made, believing the balance and organisation he brings to the LA backline will stand them in good stead.

He added: “What I like from him is he’s a powerful, strong defender who is a communicator.

“He’s an organiser, he’s a talker, he has a presence on the back line. I like having a left-footed player on the left side of our back line because it gives us balance.”