SoccerWill Toronto FC kick off with Dickov?

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Before we all throw up our hands in horror at the prospect of a washed up, ex-International pulling on a TFC jersey, let’s put things in perspective. Dickov is merely on trial and players on trial are a dime a dozen. In addition he’s attracted interest from Leeds United whose manager Simon Grayson is expecting him to return to the Yorkshire club by the end of the week.

However, the very fact Dickov is with Toronto for a second time suggests a willingness to shake hands on a deal to bring him to Major League Soccer. By his own admission, Dickov is now fully fit following a back operation and he’s clearly keen to extend his playing career. Just where and by how long is anyone’s guess.

Dickov has always been a pest of a player. He’s a diminutive busybody who likes nothing more than unsettling opposition defenders and whose engine, though well used, appears to have been well cared for. He was never a prolific goal scorer though he’s certainly not shot-shy and his wholehearted commitment made him a fans’ favourite at a number of former clubs.

Throw in his years of experience and a certain pedigree and you could make an argument he’s just the sort of player Toronto FC needs, perhaps in an attacking midfield role, albeit on a short term basis. Dickov is no thoroughbred but he is a battler and, on the evidence of the past three years, such characters have been in short supply at BMO Field.

Against these attributes, one has to weigh up the potential downside of recruiting such a player. Dickov is at an age when most outfield professionals have called it a day on the basis that while the spirit may still be willing, the body is screaming “Stop the torture!” Can he last 90 minutes in the sometimes stifling heat of a North American summer and are his naturally aggressive skills transferable from Europe to MLS?

We’ve seen plenty of ‘experienced European’ players come and go through Toronto’s revolving door and it is all too easy to assume Dickov would fall uncomfortably into that category. History strongly suggests they are not a good fit in this League, yet players like Danny Dichio and Carl Robinson have managed to adapt and embrace change.

Even without a new Collective Bargaining Agreement in place, Toronto FC is by no means the only team searching for that impact player who will make the difference in 2010. A glance around the League confirms the recent trend. Chicago has signed Dutch striker Collins John while San Jose has brought in Brazilian striker Eduardo and the lively Joey Gjertsen from Montreal.

Columbus has swooped for Colombian international striker Sergio Herrera and Chivas USA is hoping Salvadorian international Osael Romero will fulfill his potential under Preki’s successor Martin Vasquez. All these players, new to MLS, have one thing in common. They are all aged 30 or under and can represent the future. Dickov, however good his back feels, can never be that for TFC.

Frankly, he doesn’t need to be. The franchise of tomorrow is in the hands of players like Julian de Guzman, Nana Attakora, Stefan Frei (if Toronto can hold onto him) and O’Brian White. By and large TFC fans are understandably impatient for success in the form of the playoffs. If Dickov can provide a short-term fix, why should there not be a place for him on a roster crying out for depth.

For the time being, I am prepared to believe Preki knows a player who can do a job when he sees him. If he’s impressed with Dickov and feels he can improve the squad, then get his signature on paper. If the worst comes to the worst he can always be cut and sent on his way. As I stressed earlier, Paul Dickov is on trial and the jury has not yet been asked to consider its verdict.

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