Toronto FC: You get what you pay for. Usually

With the release of the MLS 2018 salary guide, Toronto FC have proven how paying the big money makes all the difference when aiming for glory.

When Sebastian Giovinco joined Toronto FC in early 2015, he signed a five-year deal which made him the highest-paid player in MLS. At the time it might have been considered a risk, but as of today, it has proved to be a gamble well worth taking.

Last week, the MLS Players Association released their 2018 Salary Guide . And sitting there at the top once again was Giovinco, with a wage of $7.1 million.

Considering everything TFC have achieved since the 31-year-old joined them, he has been the ultimate success. The team has made their first three playoff appearances in franchise history, culminating in their inaugural MLS Cup at the conclusion of last season.

Individually speaking, Giovinco has been just as impressive, if not more so. He has appeared in three MLS All-Star games and has a trio of MLS Best XI selections.

The Italian was also named MLS MVP after his debut year, in 2015. And to top this off, he set a new single-season combined points record, as he became the first player in MLS history to lead the league in both goals and assists in the same year.

Of course, as most people are well aware, professional sports is all about what you’ve done for them lately. And with Toronto FC currently struggling at the wrong end of the Eastern Conference table, even Giovinco isn’t immune from criticism.

Interestingly though, it is the Atomic Ant’s teammate sitting in second place among the top salaries, who is more likely to receive a negative response. Michael Bradley will take home $6.5 million this season, likely seeing him once again described as overrated and overpaid, which has repeatedly been the case since he joined the Reds.

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Talking of overrated, the third member of TFC who is in the top 10 of highest-paid MLS players, is Jozy Altidore. There was a time when critics believed he was not worth the hype, but this has changed on the back of his performances in helping the team advance to two consecutive championship games.

Altidore is in seventh place in the salary standings and will take home $5 million this year. Unfortunately for Toronto FC, he will be earning his wage on the sidelines for the foreseeable future, after suffering a foot injury.

TFC are the only team with three players in the top 10 of highest salaries in 2018. In fact, no other club has more than one player on the list.

The Score‘s Daniel Rouse selected 10 other salaries worthy of mention, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic most notable with a salary of $1.5 million for the LA Galaxy. In respect of the Reds, Victor Vazquez and Gregory van der Wiel also made the list, with respective salaries of $1.5 million and $835,000.

There is little denying TFC put most of their eggs into one basket, by focusing on Champions League glory this year. And it was almost worth it, with them falling agonizingly short of glory.

Now though, it is up to Toronto FC to concentrate on getting back into the playoff picture in MLS. And with the wages their top players are earning, a postseason berth is the least that should be expected in 2018.

Next: TFC face even more trouble without Altidore

What is your take on the salaries being earned by Toronto FC’s top earners? Do you agree with the respective amounts they are taking home, or do you believe any (or all) of them are overpaid? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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