Toronto FC: 3 things we learned from 2019 season

1. Alejandro Pozuelo: Number 10 or false 9?

With Sebastian Giovinco and Victor Vazquez departing in January, Toronto FC turned to Alejandro Pozuelo to infuse some ingenuity into their attacking play. The diminutive Spanish midfielder delivered, becoming the Reds preeminent attacking threat in his first season at the club. He led the team in both goals (14) and assists (10).

Pozuelo is already considered one of the best midfielders in the MLS, as his technical skills, passing range, and vision allow him to manufacture chances for teammates out of thin air. And yet, despite deservedly earning plaudits for his play, Greg Vanney has yet to determine his star player’s ideal position. Pozuelo is a natural number 10, but he has been deployed as a central midfielder, winger (right and left), and striker (false nine) in addition to his preferred position. Given his lack of speed, directness, and defensive effort this past season, Pozuelo decelerated the Reds’ build-up play and compromised their defensive structure too often for Vanney’s liking.

Consequently, Pozuelo might be best suited to the false nine role he inherited due to Jozy Altidore’s quad injury. He is less involved in build-up play and does not take on as much defensive responsibility. However, playing Pozuelo as a center-forward in a 4-3-3 on a regular basis means Altidore would find himself looking on from the bench more often than not, an unlikely turn of events given the striker’s accomplishments and status at the club.

Since Pozuelo makes TFC’s attack tick, Vanney’s decision concerning the Seville native’s ideal position will be critical to the team’s success next season. He is Toronto FC’s crucial attacking piece, but getting the best out of him is not as easy it might seem.