It's no secret that both John Carver and Mo Johnston are looking for a designated player for next season. In fact, John Carver has guaranteed he will be here for First Kick 2009. Mo Johnston has also hinted that he is looking for a Canadian DP.
When thinking about which Canadian would qualify as a potential designated player, four players come to mind: Dwayne De Rosario, Atiba Hutchinson, Julian De Guzman, and Paul Stalteri.
When thinking about which Canadian would qualify as a potential designated player, four players come to mind: Dwayne De Rosario, Atiba Hutchinson, Julian De Guzman, and Paul Stalteri.
De Guzman will come to Toronto FC - but not at this point in his career. It would be a stupid move for him to make. Atiba Hutchinson is likely in the same boat as De Guzman, so I will not be expecting him. Paul Stalteri is a possibility given the fact that he is currently out-of-favour at Tottenham Hotspur and looking for a new club. Should we use our DP spot on a defender though? I'm not so sure.
John Carver described Juan Pablo Angel as an ideal DP. Angel signed for New York at the beginning of the 2007 season at 31 years old. He will be likely be at New York for several years yet and has had a significant impact with the club.
So, Carver wants a DP around the age of 30 who is likely an attacker. Mo Johnston has said that he'd prefer a Canadian. Only one option stands out - Dwayne De Rosario.
James Sharman at the Score wrote about this possibility a number of weeks ago, and Mo Johnston has been vocally keen on bringing De Rosario to Toronto. After the All-Star game, Ives Galarcep mentioned that he would bet money on De Ro coming home by the start of next season.
Is De Rosario worth the spot though? I would say he is. I would much rather see our DP spot used on someone who is going to make a difference at the club for several seasons than a big name player who will sell shirts for a year. When I look at Claudio Lopez and the Kansas City Wizards, I cannot help but shake my head. Lopez is 36 years old, and despite being a "big name" player, has failed to have the impact a DP should. Though De Rosario is not a big name player outside of MLS, within the league he is a game breaker. He would certainly be a hit at Toronto FC, after all, he is from Scarborough, and would likely want his hometown side to succeed.
If Mo Johnston uses our DP spot on Dwayne De Rosario this winter, I will not be complaining. What do you think? Is DeRo worth the DP spot? Should Mo look outside of MLS for our DP?
So, Carver wants a DP around the age of 30 who is likely an attacker. Mo Johnston has said that he'd prefer a Canadian. Only one option stands out - Dwayne De Rosario.
James Sharman at the Score wrote about this possibility a number of weeks ago, and Mo Johnston has been vocally keen on bringing De Rosario to Toronto. After the All-Star game, Ives Galarcep mentioned that he would bet money on De Ro coming home by the start of next season.
Is De Rosario worth the spot though? I would say he is. I would much rather see our DP spot used on someone who is going to make a difference at the club for several seasons than a big name player who will sell shirts for a year. When I look at Claudio Lopez and the Kansas City Wizards, I cannot help but shake my head. Lopez is 36 years old, and despite being a "big name" player, has failed to have the impact a DP should. Though De Rosario is not a big name player outside of MLS, within the league he is a game breaker. He would certainly be a hit at Toronto FC, after all, he is from Scarborough, and would likely want his hometown side to succeed.
If Mo Johnston uses our DP spot on Dwayne De Rosario this winter, I will not be complaining. What do you think? Is DeRo worth the DP spot? Should Mo look outside of MLS for our DP?
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6 comments:
DeRo to To fosho!
I don't like the idea of spending our DP on a defender. Picking up a proven goal scorer in the past makes me iffy too. I don't want our DP to contribute to the 'retirement home' reputation the MLS has.
DeRo is the type of player that would gel with Amado and Ricketts. He would be the type of player to actually do something with their creativity. Dichio is a presence up front but has no speed (ball control is much better this year), Ruiz isn't here for long, Barrett could benefit from DeRo.
Question is, will he give up winning championships to come home?
He might give up winning championships to help bring championships home.
It's possible that 4-5-1 with both Guevara and DeRo would work quite well. Insert either Dichio or Barrett depending on form at the lone striker position.
Thoughts?
DeRO to TO would be a great signing, I would like to think he would want to play for TFC and therefore we would sign him in a hearbeat. But not as DP, leave that open for another time, possibly a striker as we have no true finishers at the club. Although we have no true CB's at the club either, ok that was a little harsh.....maybe.
If the right striker were to come available for our DP spot, I would be for that as well. I'm just worried that the only strikers that would be interested in coming to MLS right now are 35 and planning to retire in one or two years.
Carver has said he wants someone who will play with us for 3 or 4 seasons and make an impact. What strikers come to mind?
Possibly David Nugent? He played at Preston Northend with Dichio, and we know Mo loves to shop in the British leagues. He doesn't feature for Pompey too often, and though it's a longshot, I wouldn't be surprised if we are linked to him this winter.
Any others strikers you can think of?
To the anonymous comment, I think he would be worth the DP money. Why not support the Canadian boy with the cash?
He is a proven goal scorer and knows the MLS better than some old wash out from across the pond.
Hey Icecoldbeer,
I am not saying he is not worth the DP slot but that I would hope he would not want the spot more than appearing for his home town club, thus giving us even more leverage to strengthen the squad. I know where you coming from with the Canadian comment, I am all for the development and signing of Canadian content for TFC.
All for one brother.
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