Well, although we can't say that we've gained much ground since the first edition of this thread last season. We can at least say that we've gotten in some ways what we wanted for a Head Coach and for a Technical Director.
Aron Winter, was named Head Coach & Technical Director in January of 2011 and has shown that he can bring in the "big signings" based on his name recognition, which will go a long way to further develop the team in to a playoffs contender for the 2012 season.
So far, Winter hasn't delivered results in the 2011 MLS season, but has built a decent and promising roster that has more quality and technical ability than the 2010 team or any other TFC team.
Some players are capable of playing the "system" that Aron Winter wants the team to play and some are capable depth players.
Here is a list of both types of players who should hold down a spot on the team for the 2012 season; those who are starters(underlined and are in bold) and those who are depth players(placed in their normal position under the starters):
4-3-3:
*Where its listed (1.Vacant) those are positions without a consistent starting player to fill the position and where it has a number that is the level of priority.
------------------------------------Frei-----------------------------------
------------------------------------Kocic-----------------------------------
(3.Vacant)-------------Iro------------------(1.Vacant)--------(2.Vacant)
Viator----------------Williams--------------------Henry---------------Morgan
Davies---------------------------------------------------------------Borman
---------------------------------Frings(DP)--------------------------------
---------------------------------(6.Vacant)--------------------------------
---------------------Avila---------------------(5.Vacant)------------------
--------------------Stinson----------------------Griffit----------------------
--------------------Cordon-------------------------------------------------
Martina------------------------------------------------------------Johnson
Marosevic-----------------------Koevermans-----------------------Zavarise
Soolsma--------------------------(4.Vacant)--------------------------Lindsay
----------------------------------Makubuya--------------------------------
Total: 23 out of 30.
Canadians: 8 players, who have each at least one game
Americans: 3 players, who show value and meet MLS requirements
Internationals: 12 players, a little high, but there should be 11 starters.
The Rest Of The Players From The 2011 Team
Players on loan with TFC in 2011:
1.
Eckersley, I think once he returns to Burnley, he might get reminded of what real football is like and would prefer to stay rather than take a massive step down to MLS.
2.
Plata, If he is signed full-time, I think it would be wise to strengthen the left back and centre back roles to allow for Plata to stay forward on the attack where he would be more of an impact.
Players who played for TFC, but should be waived:
1.
Bouchiba, who is this guy? The invisible man?
2.
Sturgis, he never closes anyone down and never bothers to tackle anyone. His playing style can be considered similar to a "taller" player in his position, but he is not much physically imposing than Plata.
3.
Harden, he is good at central defender, but his change of direction is too wide and he does not have the speed to keep up. Plain and simple, he's too slow.
4.
Gold, hasn't really done much to say he has something to offer and is too similar to Sturgis, but with a lesser sense of trying to fill space.
5.
Omphroy, he must be hanging out with Bouchiba somewhere, because I have never seen him.
Players on the bubble or contract runs out:
1.
DeGuzman, contract runs out after 2011 season. Should be resigned on high salary non-DP contract. No more than Ryan Johnson.
2.
Dunfield, he would make a good depth player, but only if Avila is the new starting central midfielder, and DeGuzman is not resigned.
3.
Cann, contract runs out after the 2011 season. Should be resigned for depth if no other centre back is signed as a DP or starting centre back.
2012 MLS SuperDraft:
Round 1: Natural pick & 2nd pick from NYRB for DeRosario.
Round 2: No picks. Traded it for Dasan Robinson
Round 3: Natural pick & 2nd pick from Rapids for Joseph Nane.
Round 4: Natural pick.