MLS Multiplex
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FC Dallas Vs Toronto FC: 3 things to look for – What can Jordan Hamilton provide?

By Marko Babic

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 29: Jozy Altidore (17) of Toronto FC celebrates his goal with Nick DeLeon (18) of Toronto FC during the first half of the MLS regular season match between Toronto FC and New York City FC on March 29, 2019, at BMO Field in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 29: Jozy Altidore (17) of Toronto FC celebrates his goal with Nick DeLeon (18) of Toronto FC during the first half of the MLS regular season match between Toronto FC and New York City FC on March 29, 2019, at BMO Field in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – MAY 08: Nick DeLeon #18 of Toronto FC dribbles past Leandro Gonzalez #5 of Atlanta United during the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on May 08, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – MAY 08: Nick DeLeon #18 of Toronto FC dribbles past Leandro Gonzalez #5 of Atlanta United during the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on May 08, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images) /

2. Nick DeLeon’s impact

Versatile American Nick DeLeon has stepped up in recent weeks with two goals in his last three appearances. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that, goals aside, his stats do not exactly leap off the page.

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Playing predominantly as a left central midfielder over the last three games, DeLeon has completed 93% of his attempted passes, but he has done so with limited touches and has not registered a key pass in his last two appearances. The former D.C. United man’s defensive numbers are underwhelming as well, accumulating a total of five tackles and just one interception in 212 minutes.

Stats do not do DeLeon’s utility justice, however. He is tenacious and fearless in the defensive phase, attributes that will surely come in handy against a ball-dominant Dallas side. The veteran also compliments Toronto FC’s attack rather well when he plays towards the left insofar as he makes life easier for the Reds more creative players. DeLeon is constantly on the move in the attacking third, synchronizing his movements with Alejandro Pozuelo’s in order to stretch opposing defenses and present an option on the left-inside channel.

DeLeon may not rack up impressive numbers, but his relentlessness and intelligence on both sides of the ball will be integral to Toronto FC’s success on Saturday night.

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