Insigne's Dilemma, Balancing Brilliance and Preservation

In Toronto FC's season-opening encounter, Lorenzo Insigne graced the field for a little over an hour during the team's hard-fought draw against FC Cincinnati.

However, as the team gears up to face the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium this Sunday, uncertainty looms over Insigne's potential role, if any, in the match, especially considering the artificial turf surface.

After enduring a tumultuous 2023 season marked by a string of injuries, the 32-year-old former Napoli captain remains a key focus for Toronto coach John Herdman, who intends to handle Insigne's fitness with utmost care this year.

"We've got to manage him like he's a Ferrari and make sure he's looked after in that way," emphasized Herdman in a pre-match briefing.

Insigne, commanding a hefty salary of US$15.4 million, showcased his prowess last season with four goals and five assists in just 20 appearances for Toronto. Drawing insights from Insigne's tenure at Napoli, Herdman highlighted the importance of strategic management, aiming to maximize the Italian's contributions while safeguarding his fitness.

However, the challenge intensifies on artificial turf, a surface less forgiving on players' bodies, especially for Insigne, known for his attacking flair. Herdman acknowledged the dilemma, stressing the need to prioritize Insigne's peak performance over risking potential injuries on such surfaces, even if it means sitting out some away fixtures.

With Toronto FC seeking to rectify its woeful away record from the previous season, where it managed only four points out of a possible 51, tough decisions lie ahead.

As the team braces for its home opener against Charlotte FC on March 9, the prospect of holding back Insigne against New England becomes a strategic consideration, especially with past injuries haunting the team's history at Foxborough.