Richie Laryea has signed a new long-term deal with Toronto FC. But where will the oft-super-sub actually play under Greg Vanney?
Richie Laryea has been a surprising and positive influence at Toronto FC last year. Especially in the second half of the 2019 campaign, his pace, directness, and athleticism were invaluable to an attack that was often cute and creative but lacked a cutting edge to scythe through opposing defences.
And in the start of the 2020 season, Laryea again provided a straight-line threat that was previously absent from the team. He was superb when he came on against New York City FC, changing Toronto’s line of attack and providing real pace in an overlapping right-back position.
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Of course, his performances have attracted attention, but starting appearances have been difficult to come by. He did not start either of the first two matches of the 2020 season. Of his 20 2019 regular-season appearances, he played the full 90 minutes just 11 times. And in the four postseason matches, he came off the bench every time, including a superb performance against New York City FC.
Nevertheless, his impact from off the bench has been undeniable, especially considering that he is learning a new position. Laryea arrived in Toronto as a winger, and those offensive skills have been evident as he flies forward from a defensive starting point. Greg Vanney, though, has used him primarily as a right-back, a position that he has had to learn and grow into.
Despite this, his performances have been noticed and Toronto FC have negotiated over a new contract for some time. Even with the pandemic, it was more than six months ago that discussions regarding a new deal began. And this week, they were concluded. In a statement, Vanney expressed his happiness at closing the deal, revealing excitement for what is to come:
"“Richie has been terrific since he joined us. He played a valuable role, both for TFC, and the Canadian Men’s National Team last year. Off the field, Richie’s character and personality is tremendous. He earned this new contract in many ways, and we are excited for he, his family, and what he will bring to TFC moving forward.”"
There is, though, one telling and pertinent question: just where will Laryea play? He is a right-back, of course, but Auro is going nowhere as one of the most consistent performers in MLS in recent seasons. Similarly, at the wing position, with the acquisition of Pablo Piatti and the versatility of Jonathan Osorio, Alejandro Pozuelo, Tsubasa Endoh, as well as the emergence of Jacob Shaffelburg, Ifunanyachi Achara, and Erickson Gallardo, Vanney has options aplenty throughout his squad.
Laryea, then, may have to settle for the super-sub role that he has made his own since the postseason last year — the last six Toronto matches have all seen him be introduced off the bench, and he has made a positive impact in almost all of them.
There is value in that role, of course. Just ask the Philadelphia Union and Ilsinho. But if you are expecting Laryea to now kick on and earn a starting job, a new contract means little when such options are readily available. For Laryea, therefore, he must master the role of the impact substitute.