LA Galaxy first-year player Omar Gonzalez has a learnt a lot in his rookie season in MLS.

The 21-year old defender has gradually improved throughout the season despite making some errors along the way which is quite normal at the beginning of a players career.

The Dallas-born Gonzalez has been solid for the Galaxy in 2009 and coach Bruce Arena knows he will only get better.

"I talk to [Gonzalez] a lot, and it's one of these things where you have to balance it the right way because he's such a good person that he listens more than he needs to," said Arena. "Sometimes he takes things too literally.

"But it's all part of the growing process with young players. They're going to make mistakes; you don't want them to lose their confidence. But at the same time it's certainly important that they understand the things they need to get better."

Gonzalez admitted he used to be uptight whenever he was criticised and thanked veteran defender Gregg Berhalter for having such a calming influence on him.

"I think during preseason, I learned to just take things with a grain of salt, and not read too much into things," said Gonzalez. "I think once I got beyond that, and started to be more confident on the field, I started to do better.

"[Berhalter's] been around the block and he knows what he's doing," he added.

"I can always go to him and ask him about certain situations. He's been tremendous out there for me and for the rest of the team."

Gonzalez is on the verge of his first MLS play-offs series in just his first season with the Galaxy which is an achievement in itself.