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Toronto FC: 4 questions for the 2022 MLS regular season

By Paul Taylor

MONTREAL, QC - NOVEMBER 21: Members of Toronto FC huddle prior to the game against CF Montréal during the 2021 Canadian Championship Final at Stade Saputo on November 21, 2021 in Montreal, Canada. CF Montréal defeated Toronto FC 1-0 to become the 2021 Canadian Champions. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - NOVEMBER 21: Members of Toronto FC huddle prior to the game against CF Montréal during the 2021 Canadian Championship Final at Stade Saputo on November 21, 2021 in Montreal, Canada. CF Montréal defeated Toronto FC 1-0 to become the 2021 Canadian Champions. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /
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Toronto FC
BARCELONA, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 17: Lorenzo Insigne of SSC Napoli during the UEFA Europa League match between FC Barcelona and SSC Napoli at the Camp Nou on February 17, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain (Photo by DAX Images/BSR Agency/Getty Images) /

1) What impact will Insigne have?

Has there ever been as much pressure on a player coming to MLS, as there will be on Insigne? The cost of his salary alone will bring high expectations from fans, media and his own club alike.

Yes, MLS has welcomed plenty of big name global stars previously, including the likes of David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Kaka, Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. However, none of these arrived in North America while still in their prime. (Although Ibrahimovic may beg to differ and who could blame him.)

Fairly or not, TFC supporters will compare Insigne to Sebastian Giovinco. In this respect, there is a lot to live up to when considering Giovinco’s resume from his time in Southern Ontario.

Arguably the greatest player in MLS history, Giovinco did it all while playing for Toronto FC. He is their all-time leading goalscorer, an MLS MVP, four-time All-Star, Golden Boot winner and named three times to the MLS Best XI.

Of course, most importantly of all, the former Juventus player helped TFC win their first ever MLS Cup as part of a treble which saw them also claim the Supporters’ Shield and Canadian Championship. Anything less than another MLS Cup will make Insigne’s tenure with the club ultimately deemed unsuccessful. (Save for winning the CONCACAF Champions League.)

In fairness to the Italian international he is more than used to performing well under pressure, with the prime example being helping his country win Euro 2020. He was particularly influential in the quarter finals versus Belgium, scoring what was ultimately the winning goal and being named star of the match.

At 30-years-old, Insigne still has plenty left in the tank and he is a talent who should thrive in MLS. Whether he can be as successful as Giovinco remains to be seen, but he is still a difference-maker who can inspire TFC to greatness.

Prediction: Insigne will help TFC qualify for the playoffs, where anything can happen.

Trending. Bob Bradley still has plenty to prove. light

Do you have any additional pertinent questions for this season? More generally speaking, how to you predict the 2022 campaign will play out for Toronto FC? Let us know in the comments section below.

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