MLS is a tough, physical league, that emphasizes speed, and features plastic fields, grueling travel, extreme weather, and incompetent refs. - NK Toronto
Could Pozuelo have come sooner? Sure, but I wouldn't say he's failed yet again.
Ali Curtis was hired Jan. 3rd to a team that finished 14 points outside of a playoff spot and had just lost a league MVP caliber player in Giovinco and a DP level TAM player in Vazquez.
By March 4th he had signed another MLS All-Star level midfielder. Since then he's re-signed a DP player as a TAM player, signed Westberg who became our starting keeper, as well as adding, Laryea, Gonzalez and Benezet who became critical parts of the road back to the playoffs and another cup final. I guess the jury is still out on Gallardo.
The team has consistently stated they are bringing in a DP scoring threat this window. He's signed a lot of impact players in his first year. What are the examples of unrealistic targets?
Last edited by MightyDM; 01-03-2020 at 03:12 PM.
It was Matthew Doyle at https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/11/29/armchair-analyst-top-shopping-list-each-mls-team
He's not basing anything on any scoop or inside info … he's basically just speculating out loud
"Jan. 1 update: I'm beginning to wonder if TFC will do the Sounders thing – just sit on that unused DP slot until the summer window. Given they don't have a CCL title to play for, and they're loaded with productive and versatile veterans, it makes a pretty good amount of sense to keep the powder dry and avoid paying the winter premium. Maybe, if given a chance, Erickson Gallardo will make splurging on a DP winger unnecessary."
If we come to think of it .. we do still have all 3 of last season's DPs ... so is there a need to rush?
But I am also of the view that with no CCL this season.. we must go for it all with no excuses and that means coming out of the gate strong and not giving away points like the last couple seasons.
This is why I am on the side of the fence that says we need to fill that vacant DP spot with a worthy player before the season starts.
I am not too caught up in the DP chase thing. If we get one now great. If in summer that's fine but I want to see the regular roster spots strengthened. We still need another CB and for sure a more reliable back up CF. These don't need to be big splash signings but at least players who can do a job.
Exactly, people shouldn't give Curtis credit for moves he had little to do with. Pozuelo was already a target, Curtis just messed things up so bad that we almost didn't get him by Curtis not doing due diligence on his contract status. I wouldn't give him any credit for Laryea or Westberg (both Vanney connections). Gonzalez and Gallardo are Curtis and were signed late.
If it's just speculation, I'll give Curtis until training camp to sign what we need: (1) a new DP (2) a better backup for Jozy. He deserves a chance to show that he can bring people in early enough so that we can have home playoff games at BMO Field, and hopefully win the Supporters Shield.
Last edited by Oldtimer; 01-03-2020 at 11:52 AM.
MLS is a tough, physical league, that emphasizes speed, and features plastic fields, grueling travel, extreme weather, and incompetent refs. - NK Toronto
Inclined to agree with others he's not going anywhere. Just not a desirable target for other teams between wages, injury and umnt hate.
Not sure why people hate Curtis so much. He's been ok so far not great but ok, still ample time to give him a chance. Think his previous stints and opinions about him have rubbed off too strong on supporters here.
Guys with his strike rate, and record in the clutch, are precious. If he could stay healthy he'd have been back in a big league in Europe two years ago. The USMNT stuff is worse for Bradley than Altidore.
Altidore's market value is higher than most people on here think. This is forgotten, for some reason, from last summer:
Check out this tweet at http://twitter.com/SoccerInsider/status/1145593450986987521?s=20
Jozy talked openly about leaving at the end of 2018. I think we sometimes overrate the meaning of signing a new contract.
The list of MLS teams that would want him is a lot longer than Orlando or Miami. All the big teams would be interested.
I am still waiting for a coherent explanation on why TFC made a play for Agudelo, a 2000+ minute CF in MLS. (Don't tell me they were asking him to be a backup, that makes no sense, least of all to Agudelo).
Last edited by ensco; 01-03-2020 at 12:55 PM.
"There are some people who might have better technique than me, and some may be fitter than me, but the main thing is tactics. With most players, tactics are missing. You can divide tactics into insight, trust, and daring." - Johan Cruyff
This is too nuanced. Ultimately if TFC is going to make a signing while Curtis is the GM he should get the credit or the blame for whatever happens.
Even if he’s letting others make his decisions for him he ultimately takes the risk. And there’s nothing wrong with leveraging other people in the organization to get the right outcomes.
It seems like it was a good move for asset management purposes. He may have been a guy TFC liked if he was willing to accept a lower salary. He has experience on the wing as well and there will be enough opportunities for him to play upfront when Jozy is hurt or needs time off. We didn't have to give up anything to get his rights and we were able to flip him for a future pick. Even if the future pick likely has no value, it's a potential player to compete with TFC2. I don't see how drafting his rights doesn't not make sense.
Exactly. I'll always stand by this.
People were doing the same thing with Bez when he got started and there were doubts about him. Curtis is the GM, he's approving every signing we make, even if he didn't identify the target at the outset he's the one going through with it. He gets all the credit and the blame.
MLS is a tough, physical league, that emphasizes speed, and features plastic fields, grueling travel, extreme weather, and incompetent refs. - NK Toronto
This. I think Ensco doesn't like that answer, but it makes perfect sense to me. And ultimately they didn't come to a deal, so probably being Jozy's backup didn't sit well with him.
I wouldn't put any stock whatsoever into what Mavinga tweeted. Probably has nothing to do with TFC.
Paul Tenorio
@PaulTenorio
Another nugget that could’ve fit in this notebook: #TFC goalkeeper Alex Bono is training at Barnsley for the next 10 days, per source. Several MLS clubs interested in Bono, who played just 7 games last season, should Toronto look to move him.
He had an instagram post from Manchester earlier today so wondered if something was up
I think in regards to Agudelo, the pitch would've been more of a hybrid starter/backup. With Jozy's injury history, Aguedelo would get his fair share of starts (injured games as well as games Jozy is held out of (i.e some turf fields, Canadian Championship)). Definitely not as appealing to him as a full-time starting gig, but he'd probably get maybe 10-15 starts plus another 10-15 substitute appearances.
I like this tone- excellent off season snark!
Serious answer: TFC have a budget. Can they really just add a "name" $6M a year winger? They are already the highest payroll team in the league.... You could, if you were Manning/Curtis, use the Altidore budget dollars and spend those on someone that moves the needle with the public, and then with Poz and an "Agudelo" type, you might decide you were maybe in a better place overall for the same dollars... do a Seattle, stay at 2 DPs, maybe do a third in the summer, maybe not...
I am afraid of a thought process like that, anyways. My vote is just to keep Jozy.
(I just like pretending I am an offseason suit sometimes....)
Last edited by ensco; 01-03-2020 at 06:44 PM.
"There are some people who might have better technique than me, and some may be fitter than me, but the main thing is tactics. With most players, tactics are missing. You can divide tactics into insight, trust, and daring." - Johan Cruyff
"There are some people who might have better technique than me, and some may be fitter than me, but the main thing is tactics. With most players, tactics are missing. You can divide tactics into insight, trust, and daring." - Johan Cruyff