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Toronto FC: Chris Mavinga contract looking to be worth it

By Nick McAdam

MONTERREY, MEXICO - MARCH 13: Players of Toronto pose prior the quarterfinals second leg match between Tigres UANL and Toronto FC as part of the CONCACAF Champions League 2018 at Universitario Stadium on March 13, 2018 in Monterrey, Mexico. (Photo by Azael Rodriguez/Getty Images)
MONTERREY, MEXICO - MARCH 13: Players of Toronto pose prior the quarterfinals second leg match between Tigres UANL and Toronto FC as part of the CONCACAF Champions League 2018 at Universitario Stadium on March 13, 2018 in Monterrey, Mexico. (Photo by Azael Rodriguez/Getty Images) /
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Just days into the new season, Toronto FC locked up in-prime defender Chris Mavinga to a multi-year deal. With a couple of competitive games passed, the contract is looking to be worth it.

Toronto FC put a hefty amount of attention into the back-line during the offseason. Agreements were made for Auro and Gregory Van der Wiel, both of whom come from high potential backgrounds.

However, with Auro seeing the bench more often than not and Van der Wiel not playing up to expectations so far, Mavinga’s deal might be the best defensive extension of the offseason.

Of course, Justin Morrow’s extension comes with more promise and hype. The 30-year-old came in second place for the MLS Defensive Player of the Year last season and also did his fair share on the offensive side of things as well.

The extension for Mavinga shouldn’t be kept quiet though. Sources are led to believe the monetary amount for the defender came under $500,000. The Toronto Sun also noted the potential length of the deal, which wasn’t released by Toronto FC:

"The MLS club called it a multi-year contract extension, but a source confirmed that Mavinga’s existing deal has been torn up and replaced with a new one with an extra year of term."

The play so far from the 26-year-old combined with the details of the contract are really adding up.

https://twitter.com/ZakOakshott/status/975071207782576128

There’s absolutely no doubt that Mavinga has been crucial in the Champions League success so far. The Meaux born defender made a variety of blocks during the contest with Tigres. He has also been one of the most disciplined players in three matches played in the tournament.

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Greg Vanney really needs to consider Mavinga for the starting lineup in MLS play. The DR Congo native played in the fixture against the Columbus Crew and notched two tackles, four interceptions and three clearances. He also had the highest match rating among TFC defenders on the day.

Nobody really knows what the season holds for the Reds. Two MLS games have resulted in two losses, and we haven’t seen a lot of Mavinga.

General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko pretty much signed his whole defensive core after last year’s dominant MLS Cup campaign. Going forward, hard decisions will have to be made on defenders that in truth, have gone past their prime in football.

Arguably, Mavinga is not one of those players. TFC knows it by signing him for the years ahead. Supporters need to keep an eye out for the capabilities of Mavinga, who is just starting to enter the prime years of his life.

Next: TFC still winless after stunning loss to Montreal Impact

What is your take on Mavinga’s play so far this season? What kind of overall success are you predicting for him this year? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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