Toronto FC: Sebastian Giovinco making a case as the best player in MLS history
By Nick McAdam
Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco has not only turned heads in North America, but the whole world seems to have a grasp of the magic the forward can create.
When Sebatian Giovinco signed for Toronto FC in January, 2015, it didn’t take long for Toronto’s number 10 to smash the MLS record for most goals and assists in a season, netting 22 goals and 16 helpers.
Giovinco’s contributions earned him the MLS Golden Boot and MVP awards that season. In just a single season, the Italian smashed Dwayne De Rosario’s club record of 15 goals in a season. He also helped Toronto qualify for the playoffs for the first time in club history.
The forward followed that up with another productive season in 2016 scoring 17 goals and 15 assists in 28 regular season games. The 30-year old added four goals and another four assists in only six playoff games. As a result, TFC reached the MLS Cup Finals for the first time in club history.
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The Reds are now looking to make history in the 2017 season by capturing the most points in MLS history, having the fewest losses, and the most wins to name a few. The list goes on and on. Giovinco, as usual, has contributed his fair share to Toronto’s dominance thus far. With the regular season almost over, the Atomic Ant has 15 goals in just 22 games.
In truth, only so many players can do so much at 30 years of age and beyond. Giovinco’s assets go beyond just scoring and assisting. Some have gone on to say that he is the best free kick taker in the world. Yes, even ahead of Lionel Messi.
To compare Giovinco among the MLS’ best such as Landon Donovan and Jamie Moreno may not be a crazy thought. Think about it; Giovinco has 54 total goals with Toronto in 83 games. With no disrespect to these legends, Moreno and Donovan both eclipsed 100 goals, but have both played well over 200 MLS matches. If Giovinco can put in a near 20 goal clip for the rest of his TFC career, he might just be comparable to these MLS greats.
To think that 30-year-old doesn’t earn a call up to the Italian National Team is crazy. The forward’s natural talent to seamlessly go past defenders is something only some players can pull off.
The reality is that Giovinco may not be the best to ever play in the MLS based on the amount of games he has played here, but he’s surely near the top of the list. To think of what has accomplished in such a short span is remarkable. Toronto, as well, have cashed in on a player who has helped the club transform from a non-playoff team, into a dominate force season after season.
As of right now, Giovinco is the best player in North America. Sooner rather than later, everybody in world football will know his name too.
Next: Toronto FC's dominance on display in milestone victory