The father of LA Galaxy striker Edson Buddle admitted to trying to channel Brazilian legend Pele when he was naming his son.

Winston Buddle, one of New York's best youth coaches and a foremr professional player, said he wanted to give his son a strong name but felt going with Pele would put too much pressure on the boy so he opted for the star's birthname of Edson.

"A positive name brings positive results," said Buddle Snr. "That's the reason why I chose Edson. Hopefully it would bring good fortune."

Buddle Jnr, who is starring for the Galaxy this season, admits he was surprised to be nominated for the MLS MVP award this season, admitting he just wanted to contribute. "I didn't expect it and I still don't believe I'm one of the finalists. It wasn't one of my goals. My goal is to play well," he said.

And his performances in 2010 have not been lost on teammate Landon Donovan who was full of praise for the USA international.

"From the end of last year to the beginning of this year there was something in him that changed," Donovan said. "Every time I came in during the off-season I saw Edson in here working hard.

"Almost every day during the year he's in early doing something in the weight room to make himself stronger, to keep himself healthy. And then he's translated it onto the field."