After failing to beat Seattle Sounders in the 2019 MLS Cup Final, Toronto FC looked to instantly bolster their chances of reaching the biggest stage in North American football again this coming season. This involved the signing of Pablo Piatti, from Espanyol, as the clubs third designated player. The move was only made possible after Michael Bradley agreed to take a pay cut and step down as one of the clubs designated players in December.
However, Toronto FC fans will be eager to know if the salary adjustments are worth it. This tactical analysis and scout report will hopefully fill unknowing fans in and explain exactly what the Argentine brings to the table. This analysis will break down Pablo Piattis key traits and explain why Toronto FC President Bill Manning wanted to bring the player in so badly.
Background and positioning
Piatti has experience playing in a variety of positions. Being a left-footed player, he regularly plays on the left side of Espanyols attack. He is regularly played as a left-winger or left-midfielder, however, has had experience playing as an auxiliary full-back when the side set up in a back three.
The versatility of Piattis positioning will make him a valuable asset to Greg Vanney, who utilised a variety of different formations and systems last season. Vanney has regularly utilised variants of a back three/five in the past during his time at Toronto FC, suggesting that Piattis versatility will be put to test during his time with the 2017 MLS Cup winners.
Dribbling and drawing fouls
Piatti is a proficient dribbler who likes to attack space at pace with the ball at his feet. When he receives the ball with his back to goal, he can quickly spin off his defender and explode into free space. Once he has space to run into, he isnt afraid of taking on defenders 1v1.
Much like Sebastian Giovinco, Piatti h
