2. Erickson Gallardo: Potential super-sub
In addition to Gonzalez, Toronto FC announced the signing of Venezuelan winger Erickson Gallardo from Zamora F.C. on Tuesday afternoon. A natural right-winger who loves to beat his man en route to providing for others, the 22-year-old will compete with Tsubasa Endoh for the right-wing spot in Vanney’s starting XI.
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That said, Gallardo is more of a project than a quick fix. He demonstrated potential in training this week, showcasing his speed, directness, and creative dribbling in tight spaces, however, his poor English and unfamiliarity with his teammates, as well Vanney’s system, render him unlikely to be thrown into the fire from the off against his new club’s most bitter rivals.
Nevertheless, Gallardo’s traits will be useful if TFC find themselves trailing in the second half and are in need of creativity in the attacking third. Assuming Vanney sticks with the 4-1-4-1, Gallardo could be called upon to replace Endoh. The Japanese attacker has functioned as a striker rather than a winger since coming back into the side, making runs into the box to create space for the overlapping Richie Laryea. Possessing the hallmarks of a traditional winger, Gallardo might be relied upon to wreak havoc on the right flank in concert with Laryea or Auro to stretch Montreal’s defensive ranks in the game’s latter stages.
New addition Gallardo will probably not play the full 90 minutes on Saturday, but I would not be surprised if he makes a difference coming off the bench against Montreal.