This may be old news to some, but I hadn't touched on it yet, so I would just like to confirm that Mo Johnston and Toronto FC have indeed offered Julian De Guzman a big-money contract to be our designated player.
It's no secret that this is a hell of a longshot, but if JDG does sign, he'd instantly become arguably the top midfielder in MLS. One can dream, right?
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If he comes in, Carl Robinson or Sam Cronin will not be in the picture.
Carl Robinson Good: He is probably the best player in MLS at his position.
Carl Robinson Bad: About to turn 33 in October, Robinson isn't getting any younger. Maybe he is looking to retire with Dichio?
Sam Cronin Good: Cronin,22, is a top prospect for Toronto FC and is not like any other rookie in the MLS. He is a born leader at such a young age. I wouldn't be surprised if he is captain before 30.
Sam Cronin Bad: Sam has been learning of Robinson and Carl's style. Robinson's is mostly focused on defense, while De Guzman is skilled in both attack and defense. And since he is certain to learn off De Guzman if he comes, he will certainly be confused. Just like being told by one parent that you can't have candy and the other one you can. But obviously you would go for thee second parent because you prefer candy. And that is the situation for Cronin right now. Does he prefer De Guzman's or Robinson's style of play?
I honestly can't see our 2nd captain robbo leaving us. He hasn't changed his citizenship to Canadian like Dichio has, but he's shown a similar commitment to TFC; he's retired from international games with Wales to play for this club.
Robbo is indeed aging, though this is the reason why I see him staying in Toronto for the next 1-2 years until retirement and moving on to a coaching/administrative role like Dichio plans on doing. A transfer at his age and stage of commitment simply does not make sense.
This scenario can be similarly applied to veterans Jimmy B, De Ro and perhaps Serioux; they are home at Toronto and will not leave for another club.
As for young talent, Sam Cronin, his situation is reasonable to foresee a big-deal transfer similar to Maurice Edu. In terms of development while here in Toronto, he's certainly learned a lot of defensive and distribution skills from Robbo.
The addition of De Guzman will NOT 'confuse' or harm Cronin's development like 10SoccerKid10 suggests. Cronin is 22 turning 23, and unless he's a late bloomer (his current talent suggests he his past his peak) Cronin is for the most part, set in terms of his style of play and comfort positions. Cronin has proven to be a very versatile player; Left Wing, Left Back, Center Midfielder and Center Defense Mid, all with comfort. De Guzman as a role model for Cronin can certainly help him in his offensive game, but this growth won't be immense.
When it comes down to who will be shipped out if (very big IF here; I personally can't see De Guzman in a TFC shirt until a few more seasons from now) De Guzman arrives, it won't be a mid-fielder leaving.
Though Toronto is stocked full of mid-fielders at the moment, they are also our most productive unit. Anticipate either Vitti or Barrett released to allow for De Rosario participating more often in a striker role. One can only dream for now of an attacking tandem with the likes of Guevara, De Rosario and De Guzman.
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