Toronto FC Vs New York City FC: 3 things to watch for – Alejandro Pozuelo arrives

1. The Alejandro Pozuelo debut

Alejandro Pozuelo may be in line for his first Toronto FC start after joining from KRC Genk in the offseason. The 27-year-old made the move on March 18th for a reported fee of $10 million. In 29 appearances in the Belgium Jupiter Pro League, Pozuelo managed five goals and ten assists. The Spanish attacking midfielder also has Europa League experience under his belt, which will prove invaluable as Toronto looks to get back into the MLS Playoffs after missing out in 2018.

The primary reason for signing Pozuelo is to replace the services of Victor Vazquez, who left for Al-Arabi. Vazquez was a critical component of Toronto’s goal-scoring and creative threat. He netted sixteen goals across two seasons with the club and was key in leading Toronto to the title in 2017. If Pozuelo is able to replicate Vazquez’s goal-scoring success, or at least contribute with assists, then Toronto could be in the playoff hunt come September.

Pozuelo will be looking to work with Jozy Altidore, Ayo Akinola, and Jordan Hamilton. Sebastian Giovinco was sold to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal over the offseason and his final-third dynamism is an unquestionable absence. Pozuelo possesses the necessary skills to create opportunities and can be a crucial part of set-piece opportunities as well.

Gregg Vanney has employed two different formations in the first two MLS games. In the first match-up against the Philadelphia Union, Vanney set the team up in a 3-4-3 formation. He then utilized a traditional 4-4-2 formation against the New England Revolution. Pozuelo would work best in the same role filled by his compatriot, Vazquez.

The positive atmosphere surrounding his arrival should only spur him on further to make an immediate impact in the side. He was quoted as saying, ‘I [spoke] with a lot of friends that played here… very amazing.’

Pozuelo’s enthusiasm will only mean good things moving forward. If the Spaniard cannot replicate Vazquez’s impact, the side may struggle to consistently create threatening attacks forward.

Toronto will be hoping that Alejandro Pozuelo can break down the back line of NYCFC and demand strong leadership from NYCFC’s MLS All-Star midfielder, Alex Ring. New York were able to keep a clean sheet at home against D.C. United; however, the players have struggled to see out a lead in their other two matchups. Perhaps Pozuelo can be the man to take advantage.

What are your thoughts about the Toronto v NYCFC matchup on Friday night? Let us know in the comments.