Toronto FC: Alejandro Pozuelo has big shoes to fill

Toronto FC finally sign Alejandro Pozuelo to be their third designated player, but he’s not going to make the fans forget Sebastian Giovinco.

Toronto FC finally got their man. As reported by the Canadian Press via Sportsnet, the Reds officially signed Alejandro Pozuelo from KRC Genk on Monday.

Pozuelo will arrive in Toronto on Mar. 18, one day after the Belgian league season concludes. As per TFC’s media department, he has scored 25 goals and added 60 assists in 175 games during four seasons in Belgium.

A popular opinion is that the attacking midfielder represents an upgrade over the recently departed Victor Vazquez. However, as the team’s third designated player, that’s not who he’s replacing.

Make no mistake about it — fair or not — Pozuelo will be compared to Sebastian Giovinco. That means trying to live up to what the Italian achieved during four seasons in Toronto.

More from Toronto FC

• Federico Bernardeschi ready for new challenge with Toronto FC
• Toronto FC remodel continues with departure of Alejandro Pozuelo
• Toronto FC looking to move on from Carlos Salcedo
• As Lorenzo Insigne arrives, Toronto FC looks to get back on track
• Toronto FC: 3 takeaways from 2-1 loss to Columbus Crew

Giovinco is arguably the best player in MLS history. In truth though, if Pozuelo can achieve even half of what his predecessor managed, TFC will consider his addition as a major win.

At least the 27-year-old has excellent experience, having previously played at the top level in La Liga and the Premier League. He is also currently captain of KRC Genk, which gives you some idea of his leadership skills.

There was a stage when a lot of people wondered if Pozuelo was actually going to join Toronto FC. As reported by Sportsnet‘s John Molinaro, general manager Ali Curtis considered the signing the most difficult and complicated deal he’d ever been involved in.

Regardless, Curtis is delighted to have the Seville, Spain native on board. As per Torontofc.ca, he said:

"“Alejandro is an excellent player that has the ability to both create and score goals. He is the best player on the best team in Belgium’s top division.“Obviously, and for so many reasons, we would like him to join us now, but we look forward to his arrival on March 18. We are very excited for the 2019 season and adding another important piece to a group that already has a lot of quality only makes us stronger.”"

As long as everything goes to plan, Pozuelo will make his TFC debut on Mar. 29, against New York City FC. Then we can start to see what he is capable of doing for a team looking to bounce back from a terrible 2018 MLS campaign.

What’s your take on Toronto FC signing Pozuelo? What kind of season are you predicting for him? Let us know in the comments section below.