Joseph Paintsil’s return to form couldn’t have come at a better time.

The Ghanaian forward has been named in the Major League Soccer (MLS) Team of the Week for Matchday 22 after a standout performance in LA Galaxy’s commanding 3-0 win over Vancouver Whitecaps.

After going five weeks without a goal, Paintsil broke the drought in style — first calmly converting a penalty on the hour mark, then curling home a sublime finish with 13 minutes to play at Dignity Health Sports Park. His brace not only sealed the points for Galaxy but also served a timely reminder of his quality.

The 26-year-old Black Stars winger joins an illustrious lineup that includes Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi and goalkeeper John Pulskamp of Sporting Kansas City.

Also featured in the weekly XI are Carlos Harvey (Minnesota United), Ethan Bartlow (Houston Dynamo), Mitja Ilenič and Hannes Wolf (New York City FC), Evander (FC Cincinnati), Erik Thommy (Sporting KC), Pep Biel (Charlotte FC), and striker Ezequiel Ponce (Houston Dynamo).

Paintsil, who has now registered three goals and one assist in 15 league appearances this season, will be hoping to build on this momentum as Galaxy continue their playoff push.