Matias Almeyda praises Javier Lopez's recent form

San Jose Earthquakes boss Matias Almeyda has lavished praise on Javier 'Chofis' Lopez following a recent hot streak.

The Mexican forward joined the Quakes on loan from Chivas in January, reuniting with former boss Almeyda.

After a tough time couple of years with knee injuries and personal problems, Chofis excelled in California, scoring 10 goals in 24 MLS appearances so far for San Jose.

Five of those 10 goals have come in his past two appearances, with Chofis netting a hat-trick during the Quakes' 4-3 defeat to Real Salt Lake and a brace as San Jose beat Austin FC by the same scoreline on Saturday.

And Almeyda has heaped praise upon the 27-year-old for effectively turning his life around to rediscover his best form.

"I am very happy for him. There was great sacrifice in getting him to San Jose and reaching the level he is currently at after going a year and a half without playing," Almeyda told reporters following Saturday's win in Texas. "He changed the way he trains and lives football, including his professionalism and calmness.

"He knows that I try to get to know him and advise him. I have committed mistakes in my life, and I don't want him to commit the same mistakes. I want to see him stay the way he is now. This causes me to be very happy.

"He is a young, talented player, and for a moment, he was torn by his critics. He can make mistakes and he will learn from them. He will learn by my side and he will keep growing. He has my confidence in him to make his own decisions. It makes me very happy seeing him play this way. I know his family and I am happy for them too. When I see him progressing in the sport, it makes me very pleased because he is progressing in life, and no one talks about that."

Back in August, Chofis spoke highlighy of Almeyda's man-management skills, revealing how the Argentine perfectly balanced work and relaxation.

"He's a great guy," he told Goal. "Sometimes it seems as if he's not the coach! He always chooses well the moments where he can work or play. He always treats the player well."

Despite their great form in front of goal, the Quakes remain ninth in the Western Conference, two places and four points below the playoff line.

Next up for Almeyda's men is home clash with California rivals LAFC on Saturday before they host the Seattle Sounders.