BOSTON—Prior to the 2015 MLS season the cautious optimism that surrounded Toronto FC was centred around off-season signings Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore, and newly-minted captain Michael Bradley.
However, close observers of MLS were intrigued as to how the roster around the three money men would be constructed, and just what would this team look like midway through the campaign. As such, the fact that Marky Delgado and new signing Ahmed Kantari appear to have big roles to play in the final 15 games of the season really should not come as a huge surprise. After all, when it comes to MLS and especially TFC, you can just never guess what might happen, because, well, anything really can happen.
Kantari arrives with a decent resume as a solid professional in French football, and given the success of teammates and fellow Frenchmen Benoit Cheyrou and Damian Perquis that bodes well. Kantari will likely slot in beside Perquis at the heart of defence on Saturday against the New England Revolution, something the former Lens defender is excited about.
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“It will make my job easy as we speak the same language, are both from France and since we were young we have the learnt the same way, in the same position and how to play in every situation,” Kantari said.
Kantari arrives with a reputation as a leader, someone who can boss a back four. Although new to the club, Kantari is prepared to voice his opinion as he sees fit: “If I feel the moment to do it I will do it, I will just do it naturally. If I feel it is right, if not I won’t do it.
“It is something natural for me, all my career I have been a captain, and for my position it is important to talk to the other guys. I have spent a week with the guys, so I have begun to get to know them, so it’s going to come in time.”
Delgado is a player benefitting from playing alongside more veteran teammates. The 20-year-old was acquired by TFC during last year’s Chivas USA dispersal draft. He has started six matches, and on current form looks un-droppable, playing either wide right or in the hole in the absence of Michael Bradley.
Bradley and Altidore appear to have taken their compatriot under their wings.
“Michael and Jozy really talk to me, tell me what I can do better and what not to do, really help me out,” Delgado said.
Delgado, who jokingly admits he’d understand if Bradley wants his job back when he returns from injury, cites Giovinco as a big reason why his first year at TFC is fast becoming a breakout campaign.
“He’s a special player, it’s not difficult to play with him, you may think it’s difficult to play with players of high quality, but it’s not,” Delgado stated. “He’s very clear on what he’s going to do and he tells you what he’s going to do. He tells me where to play the ball when he makes his runs, and I’ve felt through my professional career when I was younger that I didn’t know where to play the ball for a forward and he’s really helped me.”
Delgado appears to have a big future with Toronto. Add in the experience of Kantani, and more and more TFC look like a team not dependant on its designated players.
Perhaps after eight years a well-balanced side has been built?
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