For most Canadian sports fans, the focus of early January is solidly fixed on hockey, especially with an ongoing IIHF World Junior tournament on home soil. The remainder are most likely keeping an eye on their NHL teams along with perhaps checking out the NFL playoffs.
A spark of promising news has also recently emerged from the ranks of soccer, in the form of an announcement that Doneil Henry, a 21 year old Brampton, Ontario native and product of Toronto FC’s Youth Academy, has officially signed with West Ham United of the English Premier League. While the signing has been expected, the surprising piece is that Henry has earned a spot on the first team in an undisclosed long term deal.
The confidence shown in the young Canadian defender by West Ham manager Sam Allerdyce has long been evident. Henry has had 2 off season training stints with the club. Arriving with the recommendation of former Toronto FC coach Ryan Nelsen, a centre back himself, Henry did not fail to impress. Henry’s eventual arrival has ultimately been facilitated by a move to Cypriot club, Apollon Limassol. As it was revealed in October, Toronto FC dealt Henry to Apollon prior to the 2014 season, and Apollan lent him back to Toronto FC, at least for this past year.
The mysteries of player transfer through international channels can often be complicated, but it appears that the move through Cyprus was necessary to deliver Henry through European pathways as quickly as possible. In some respects, planned or not, the development Henry did indeed achieve and demonstrate this past season in Major League Soccer did nothing to hurt his potential appeal to West Ham. Hopefully for his own sake, it will increase his chances of success and of making an eventual worthwhile contribution.
Henry has had 14 international appearances for Canada, and since joining Toronto FC’s first team in 2010 has appeared 92 times. In his early days, Henry played as a solid and often fearless defender who showed signs of being a future central piece of Toronto FC’s core as well as a prime example of the kind of raw talent that could be grown in local ranks in Major League Soccer. At times though, his exuberance turned into what appeared to be recklessness and he often brought down attackers with poorly timed and flagrant tackles that led to numerous fouls and of course, penalties.
With the arrival of Stephen Caldwell and some close attention and guidance, Henry appeared to show more careful judgment in his defensive decision making. His ability to win the ball on set pieces at both ends of the field is perhaps one of his stronger qualities. Since 2010, he scored 3 times for Toronto FC in this fashion. As Toronto FC became a tighter defensive team, particularly under Nelsen in 2013, Henry displayed a keener ability to use his strengths defensively, winning balls in the box and keeping his lines clear with far greater authority. Throughout 2014, he was a solid part of the Toronto FC backline. There were times however, when he was benched in favor of Nick Hagglund.
West Ham is hopeful that Henry will have an easy time settling into the Premier League and they’re looking forward to his contribution. But Sam Allardyce has also stated that he is committed and is hopeful that whatever Henry’s adjustment brings, he will be a part of West Ham solidly over the long term.
For Henry, this is the arrival of a dream opportunity. It is a signal that Toronto FC and Canadian soccer in general, are beginning to create prospects that are gaining more notice at higher levels on the international scene. For Toronto FC, the need for reinforcements on the backline is still an issue, and would have been even if Henry had stayed. All would agree that the current roster is just not deep enough in this area. Regardless, Henry’s move is a signing worthy of celebration. A quick review of Canadian soccer players abroad reveals that even the majority of those who represent Canada as first team players in international play, are clustered in B division teams all over the globe. While this is respectable, very few (such as David Edgar with FC Burnley) play at higher levels in the Premier League, or any other top flight league for that matter. The advancement of new, young talent into these leagues is necessary if Canada is to genuinely advance internationally. In his first interview with English media, Henry was confident that there are many more talented young players to come. Canadian soccer fans hope he’s right.
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