Now that the season has ended for Toronto FC, a player review seems in order. Who knows what the roster will look like in 2015. For now, the data from 2014 and player performance tells the story.
Ultimately, while statistics form the basis, some elements, such as value to the team and leadership roles play a huge part. So, on a scale of one to ten, allowing the first decimal place for the sake of separation, here is a fairly rough and subjective view of how the roster should be sorted after a sometimes impressive, but dismally ending season.
Having rated the defense and goalkeeping, we conclude in this section with the midfielders and forwards.
Grading the Midfielders/Forwards for Toronto FC
Jermain Defoe 8.2
Defoe played only nineteen games (fifteen lost due to injury or suspension), but he did manage to score 11 goals. His presence was critical as Toronto FC wins always coincided with his performances. When he was able to lock onto the ball, sidestep defenders and strike with lightning speed and flawless precision, he was clearly dominant and worth the expenditure. He was at times however, easily figured out by opposing defenders in the latter stages. Injuries did not help. At this point, fans are wondering about his commitment. A healthy and happy Defoe was the original plan, but something happened on the way to the playoffs.
Gilberto 7.0
Gilberto took 3 months to find his form. Early injuries spoiled his preseason. At times, he did not appear to gel with Defoe at all (consider the battle over the free kick in New York). That free kick did turn out to be his first goal however, and after that it seemed the monkey had gotten off his back. He kept working hard, tracking back and creating some elements of beauty rarely seen in Toronto FC history. Could he be the key piece offensively, taking the scoring charge on his back and making it happen? Toronto FC fans would love to see it happen.
Michael Bradley 6.8
Bradley has emerged as the face of the team of late, the one designated player who is clear on his commitment. On field, he is a proven leader as well. He demonstrates great energy, pace, accurate distribution of the ball. He cannot do it alone however. The type of midfield partner he gets will be critical. He seems to rely on such given his international play with Kyle Beckerman. That may be a challenge for Toronto FC; another midfielder of such calibre may be a difficult find. Whatever the case, Bradley is the clear leader going forward. How they build around him will be interesting to see.
Luke Moore 6.2
Moore was a surprise offensive addition. He is an opportunistic striker who can score at critical times. He can also deliver a beauty pass (as he did to send Gilberto in alone on a couple of occasions). He is however, weak on the ball at times. Defenders more often than not easily get inside position on him and drive him off the ball. One wonders about his future. If he were to receive more frequent service, he has the skill to double his goal production.
Jonathan Osorio 6.8
A surprise prospect with quality goal scoring ability over the past two years, Osorio has a nice touch around the net. With appropriate service and compatible link up play, he is actually lethal in the final third. In a midfield that spent much of the season experimenting with formations, he was moved from central to wide positions. As a dedicated professional, he embraced the challenge wherever he was sent. In some ways though, his defensive side was one area he needed to work on. Some goals scored late in the season glaringly exposed an Osorio who was either late in tracking back or didn’t track at all. No doubt he will make great offensive contributions going forward. With time and patience, his future looks bright. Osorio is truly a rising star on the Canadian soccer scene.
Dominic Oduro 6.2
Oduro was a fantastic upgrade on Alvaro Rey. Toronto FC definitely won the trade with Columbus. Oduro is the fastest on the squad, but like Jackson he has a tendency to carry a pace that is just too much sometimes. He does a great job playing wide but finding connections in the box are sometimes challenging for him. Lightning speed that gets him into dangerous areas have a tendency to fizzle out. It may be a matter of time before he finds a way to gel with his teammates.
Jackson 6.1
Jackson has some great things to offer, such as speed and at times, playmaking ability. He can also score timely goals. Jackson is inconsistent however and has a tendency to run at defenders. His speed sometimes causes him to overplay his runs, make poor decisions which result in some great potential plays just simply fizzling out.
Andrew Wiedeman 3.0
Acquired through a trade with Dallas for Julian de Guzman, Weideman was hailed by then manager Paul Mariner as a natural goal scorer. Some timely goals have come, but given the recent influx of offensive talent, Weideman has seen little action. In his rare opportunities has has looked fit and committed. One wonders if from a coaching standpoint, he could possibly improve by leaps and bounds, once given the opportunity to work with the likes of Gilberto and Luke Moore. He does have an offensive flair but his future with the club will hinge on how the DP situation evolves over the off season.
Daniel Lovitz 6.0
Lovitz was a surprisingly solid addition to the squad. As a young prospect, he showed great intelligence in positioning and running combinations. His service was actually some of the best displayed by any Toronto FC player this year. If he continues at his present rate, he would make a solid addition to any midfield in MLS. Given that he had limited opportunity, the future looks bright.
Dwayne DeRosario 6.5
Dwayne took on an off-the-bench role with the class and maturity that only someone of his calibre and experience could offer. His timing was fantastic and he had an evident impact every time he was called upon. One has to hope he can hang on long enough to be a part of a Toronto FC playoff run.
Warren Creavalle 5.5
Versatility is Creavalle’s middle name. He can play right back and midfield. His only goal was a nice single touch against the Impact. He can sometimes be a liability on defense. Given time he will mature. A midfield position may be his niche.
Bright Dike 3.0
As the 2013 season ended, Bright was seen as a potential offensive weapon. An unfortunate preseason ankle injury took away most of his season. He played less than a game, coming off the bench. It would be great to see him find the form he has been billed with. He is a dominating presence that really didn’t get the chance to come to form this year.
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