Toronto FC: Top 10 Overrated MLS Players Include Altidore and Bradley
By Paul Taylor
In an anonymous survey carried out by ESPN FC, Toronto FC had two members of their roster named in the top 10 for most overrated players in MLS.
They often say success breeds contempt and if that’s the case, Toronto FC have finally arrived in the big time, At least, that’s how we’re choosing to perceive the results of a survey by ESPN FC, which was conducted with 123 MLS players on the condition of anonymity.
Of particular interest, was ESPN FC asking them to pick the league’s most overrated player. Mix Diskerud led the way, but you’ll be glad to know Jozy Altidore came second and Michael Bradley finished joint-sixth.
Objectively speaking, seeing Altidore so high on the list was slightly surprising, especially after he return to MLS last season and scored 13 goals in just 25 games (including 21 starts). Prorate that over the course of the season, and he would have finished as the league’s fourth-highest goalscorer.
Maybe it’s part of a cunning master plan by coach Grey Vanney to motivate the 26-year old to step up his game this season (while also remaining fit)? It might be worth trying to find out how many Toronto FC players took part in the survey.
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As for Bradley, it was again a surprise to see him in the top 10, especially with him being captain for both his club and country. Maybe he hurt the feelings of one or two players when shouting instructions to them on the pitch?
At least Altidore and Bradley are in good company. The top 10 reads like a who’s-who of some of the biggest names in world soccer, including the likes of Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Clint Dempsey.
Actually, the more you think about it, the results really do seem to allude to some kind of jealousy, specifically in a monetary sense. Let’s just say seven of the players on the list are designated players, but we’ll leave it to you to draw your own conclusions.
No Toronto FC players made the top 10 list of most underrated MLS players, but the most popular coach survey was worth noting. Vanney was one of only four coaches not named at all, so perhaps someone’s attempting to motivate him as well…
Next: Is Kenny Cooper the answer up front for TFC?
What do you make of the top 10 list of most overrated players? Do you think Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley deserve to be included? Let us know in the comments section below.