Toronto FC: Alejandro Pozuelo puts on clinic in MLS debut

New Toronto FC designated player Alejandro Pozuelo had a magnificent debut, directly contributing to three goals

It’s been a hectic month for new Toronto FC midfielder Alejandro Pozuelo.

After signing with the Reds at the beginning of the month, the Spaniard was slated to play his final match for Belgian side Genk on March 17. He was ill the entire week and departed for Toronto ahead of time to join TFC.

Once he arrived in the city, he was able to take in a few of the main attractions, appearing at games for both the Raptors and Maple Leafs.

It was back to business on Friday for the 27-year-old, as he was set to make his debut against New York City FC at BMO Field.

It didn’t take him long to make an impression on his new team. In the 29th minute, the attacking midfielder would receive a pass from Jonathan Osorio and slink through the NYFYC defence before laying a pass off to Jozy Altidore, who would make no mistake from near the penalty spot.

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Altidore would earn the Reds a penalty in the 78th minute. Instead of the striker stepping up to the spot, it was the new signee. Pozuelo would score one of the prettiest penalties you’ll see, breaking out the Paneka to beat NYCFC goalkeeper Sean Johnson.

"“I said to the president (Bill Manning) – I had dinner with him on Saturday – I said if I had the penalty, I should try it so this is for him,” Pozuelo said of his Panenka penalty following the match."

Any player would’ve been happy with the debut that Pozuelo had, but he wasn’t done there. For his final act, he would make his way into the 18-yard box in the 78th minute, where he’d chip Johnson again.

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He would be subbed off following the goal for Jay Chapman. The Brampton, Ontario native would score his first goal of the campaign after being sent in on goal by Auro Jr.

Toronto FC would cruise to a 4-0 victory, sealing the club’s first ever 3-0-0 start to a season in the process.

Pozuelo became the 12th player in club history to score in their debut. He’s also just the third TFC player to nab a brace in their first game – Jermain Defoe (2014) and Jozy Altidore (2015) also accomplished the feat.

"“He (Pozuelo) reminds me of Iniesta. He’s so shifty, so good with both feet,” Osorio said to reporters."

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To end off the night, Pozuelo got to bang the drum for the celebratory Viking clap. Also, to nobody’s surprise, he was named the Man of the Match.

TFC will look to win its fourth straight game next Saturday when the welcome Bastien Schweinsteiger and the Chicago Fire to town.

What did you think of Pozuelo’s debut? How do you think Toronto FC will fare the rest of the season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!