Toronto FC's new era

It's time for a new era in Toronto. Recently, the club moved on from two of its Designated Players in former MLS MVP Alejandro Pozuelo and Mexican defender Carlos Salcedo. In the meantime, the Reds brought in five players, marking a new era in the six. The changes come at a time when Toronto seems to be at its lowest point, sitting 13th in the Eastern Conference with just 19 points in 21 games.

To improve its attack, the club brought in Italian wingers Lorenzo Insigne andFederico Bernardeschi. Insigne is one of the best players to ever come to the MLS, and will surely boost the 23rd ranked offense. He comes to the league with a ridiculous right foot and 203 goals+assists in his career. Bernardeschi will wreak havoc on opposing defenses on the opposite wing, bringing creativity and skill to the team. The duo could revolutionize the team if they play how we know they can. The clip below shows Bernardeschi assisting Insigne when they were on the Italian national team together.

In an effort to bolster the second-worst defense in the MLS, Toronto also acquired two center backs in Domenico Criscito and Doniel Henry. Criscito comes to Canada from Italy, forming an interesting Italian trio with Insigne and Bernardeschi. The 35-year-old was a key player for Genoa in the last four seasons. Henry is a key player for Canada's national team, and is making a return to Toronto FC after spending the first five seasons of his career as a Red. The center back duo's experience and talent should improve one of the worst defenses in the MLS.

In addition, Toronto made a blockbuster trade with the Colorado Rapids to bring in midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye. The Canadian international will slot in immediately as the club's top midfielder and on-ball player. Kaye is very well-balanced, and will help the team boost its stagnant offense. Toronto has an outstanding attack, and someone needs to supply it. In 2022, Kaye has scored 3 goals and picked up an assist. So far, he has appeared in two matches for Toronto FC, and he will only get better as he gets more adjusted.

The new era should bring success to a Toronto squad that already had a few talented players. Adding those five players to star striker Jesús Jiménez and midfielder Jonathan Osorio will almost surely improve the Reds. An attacking trio of Insigne, Bernardeschi and Jiménez, a great midfield of Kaye and Osorio and the experienced center back duo of Criscito and Henry should have Toronto in the MLS Playoffs when it is all said and done. It won't be easy, as getting gaining chemistry mid-season isn't the easiest thing, but if anyone can do it, its Toronto FC.