TFC: Alejandro Pozuelo recognized for dominant play with MLS MVP award
Alejandro Pozuelo was recognized for his dominant play this season for Toronto FC with the MLS MVP award.
In what was a challenging season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Toronto FC got to see some individual accomplishments with Alejandro Pozuelo earning the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award.
Pozuelo was selected over golden boot winner Diego Rossi and Nicolas Lodeiro which is certainly a big honour when you consider that he is more of a playmaker than a pure goal scorer. This is only the second time a TFC player has taken the league’s top honour after Sebastian Giovinco won it in 2015.
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When the Spaniard joined TFC in 2019, he had big shoes to fill with Giovinco’s departure and it seemed unfair at the time considering the difference in play style. However, Pozuelo came in and brought a different element that allowed the Reds to remain competitive reaching the MLS Cup Finals in his first season.
This season, you could see the improvement in Pozuelo’s game with nine goals and 10 assists. As Laura Armstrong of the Toronto Star mentioned, Pozuelo’s impact was seen when he got on the scoresheet as TFC went 9-1-4 when Pozuelo scored or assisted this season.
It’s uncertain how the departure of head coach Greg Vanney will change the way TFC operates next season. At least the club can take comfort in having Pozuelo around and an opportunity to add a formidable scorer with him as
Pablo Piatti won’t return.
"“We had a very good relationship, inside and outside,” Pozuelo told reporters about Vanney’s influence. “We know Vanney is a very good person, a very good coach and he helped me a lot to play at my high level.”"
Even without Vanney, TFC should be fortunate that whoever comes in as their next coach will have an MVP calibre player to lean on. On top of that Michael Bradley gives them the leadership both on and off the field which certainly takes the pressure off Pozuelo and Jozy Altidore as the big-ticket players.
Now it’s up to general manager Ali Curtis to search for that third designated player who can be the final piece of the puzzle to get TFC back into contention in the MLS Cup.
Next. Greg Vanney’s departure ends a memorable tenure. dark
How thrilling is it to see Pozuelo earn the MVP award? Let us know in the comments below.