How Federico Bernardeschi signing will impact 12th place Toronto FC

Just hours after trading Alejandro Pozuelo to Inter Miami, news broke that Toronto FC will be signing Juventus' Federico Bernardeschi on a free transfer. Reinforcements are much needed, as the Reds currently sit 12th place in the Eastern Conference with just 18 points in 18 matches (5-3-10).

Bernardeschi comes to Toronto after spending five seasons with Italian powerhouse Juventus, winning Serie A three times. Primarily used as a super-sub, the midfielder/attacker scored eight goals and picked up 12 assists during his time in Turin.

The Italian international has also scored six goals for the Azzurri, and was a key player in the Euro 2020 victory. Now, Bernardeschi has an opportunity to play extended minutes, something he hasn't had since 2016/17 when he was with Fiorentina.

In what seems like a match made in heaven, Bernardeschi has experience playing with Toronto's new star, Lorenzo Insigne on the Italian national team. The two stars have a lot of experience playing with each other, and Bernardeschi even supplied Insigne with a great pass for a great goal against Bosnia in 2019.

The two Italians have the potential to take the MLS by storm if they play to their best of their abilities.

Toronto FC are progressing in talks to sign Federico Bernardeschi on a free transfer. Deal not fully completed yet - but the Italian’s the main target 🇨🇦🇮🇹 #TorontoFC

Alejandro Pozuelo will leave Toronto in the next hours to join Inter Miami as DP, done deal as reported earlier. pic.twitter.com/8K0kR7IPIO
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 5, 2022

So, how will Bernardeschi impact a team that desperately needs help? The Italian has endless creativity, and should bring life to a team that needs help creating chances. Through 18 matches, Toronto has the second-lowest amount of shot-creating actions (288) in the MLS. Shot-creating actions are defined, by fbref.com, as the acts that directly lead to shots, such as passes or dribbles.

In addition, Toronto currently has the T-8th least goals scored (23) and T-9th lowest assists (19) in the MLS. The Reds are in dire need of goal scoring and chance creation, and Bernardeschi should help the team improve in that department.

Toronto FC now has Insigne and Bernardeschi to go along with its great off-season signing, Jesús Jiménez. The attacking trio have a lot of work to do if they want to save the season, but they arguably have the most talent of any front three in the MLS. I wouldn't count out the two Italians and Jimenez saving the Reds' season.