Will Laurent Robert sink or swim in Toronto?
Thursday, April 3, 2008 | 08:03 PM ET
Laurent Robert does have something to prove. Not to me, nor to you - but to himself. The mercurial Frenchman must convince himself, and thereby the rest of us, that he’s still got it.
Not the natural ability, not the left foot ‘hammer’ – that’s a gift from above. No, Robert has to recapture the desire, the passion and the hunger that distinguishes great players from good players.
Toronto FC is taking a risk by recruiting a player whose temperamental reputation has put his entire career in jeopardy. Head Coach John Carver is well aware of the potential baggage that accompanies Robert who, at 32, should still have two or three useful years ahead of him.
Carver and Robert were next door neighbours during their time at Newcastle and it was that relationship which prompted Carver to re-establish contact. The TFC coach believes the correct man-management is all that’s required to get the best out of Robert. Let’s face it, had they not seen eye to eye on Tyneside there’s no way Carver would risk his reputation by signing a loose cannon.
Carver is also impressed that the Frenchman has agreed to a non-guaranteed contract – in other words Robert is on trial and if things don’t work out he’ll quickly be shipped back to Europe without so much as an “Au Revoir”.
The fans have been crying out for a creative midfield playmaker. Make no mistake, Laurent Robert can be that man – if he chooses to be. He has bags of experience from some of the top Leagues in Europe, his awareness and first touch can be sublime and he has a 'left peg' to die for.
Robert has one of the hardest shots in the game – many a goalkeeper has had his gloves singed by the sheer power he produces; as many more have been little more than spectators as the ball rockets past them into the net. If he can re-discover that kind of form in North America, Robert has all the qualities to be a big hit in Major League Soccer.
Attitude and appetite apart, Carver must decide how best to utilize Robert’s talents. He’s clearly left footed, although has been known to score with his right, and can delivers crosses, corners and free kicks with the best of them. The temptation to play him on the left wing and provide ammunition for the strikers is obvious, but I believe the coach will allow Robert more of a free role in midfield rather than keep him pinned to the flanks.
Robert will want to feel involved and pivotal to attacking moves and if he’s allowed to roam without the burden of having to track back, the little Frenchman has all the tools to unlock the meanest of MLS defenses.
Carver also has to consider who gives way to accommodate the new boy. Todd Dunivant enjoys getting forward down the left side and is a willing workhorse, but as we saw at Columbus, his finishing needs attention.
Carl Robinson – Mr. Dependable in midfield – rarely puts a foot wrong but lacks the creative edge the fans crave, while Maurice Edu – full of confidence and youthful zest, knows he’ll have to work harder in 2008 to live up to the reputation he created for himself as a rookie.
I don’t think we’ll see a halfway house with Laurent Robert. He could be drinking in soccer’s equivalent of the “Last Chance Saloon” and only he knows what kind of mental demons have interrupted his career.
If those demons have been exorcised Robert is good enough to be an MLS All-Star at BMO Field on July 24th. If not, his MLS career could be over before West Ham come calling.
« Previous Post | Main | Next Post »
This discussion is now Open. Submit your Comment.
« Previous Post | Main | Next Post »
Post a Comment
Extra Time »
About the Author
Nigel Reed lends his extensive experience, passion and knowledge of the game of soccer to his role as play-by-play announcer for CBC’s Major League Soccer broadcasts.
Reed has more than 20 years experience covering soccer, most notably a five-year stint from 1999 to 2004 where he was a host and producer for the English Premier League for BBC. He also covered English Premier League giants Liverpool and Everton for BBC Radio and provided analysis for both BBC TV and the BBC website.
More recently, Reed served as play-by-play announcer for CBC’s coverage of the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He also hosts The Soccer Show for the Toronto sports radio station the Fan 590.
Recent Posts
- Slow progress for Toronto FC
- Wednesday, September 24, 2008
- Reds are playing for pride
- Tuesday, September 16, 2008
- Barrett's one for the future
- Friday, September 12, 2008
- Can Carlos Ruiz cut it in Canada?
- Sunday, August 31, 2008
- Bidding adieu to Maurice Edu
- Sunday, August 17, 2008
- Subscribe to Extra Time
Archives
- September 2008 (3)
- August 2008 (3)
- July 2008 (4)
- June 2008 (5)
- May 2008 (5)
- April 2008 (6)
- March 2008 (8)
Comments
Joe
Toronto
I love how all the comments stopped after back to back wins and a Robert goal.
Posted April 21, 2008 05:38 PM
Rish
Hi all,
I keep track of Roberts career, I find him a fascinating personality and was a dream to watch at Newcastle. In his first season I remember him scoring bag full of goals- with Sir Alex telling Sir Bobby Robson that he had a hell of a player.
In fact it was Robert who really excited the crowd and was alongside Beckham in terms of ratio of free kicks converted. – and I am a firm believer that he was one of the big factors in launching Newcastle into the Champions League.
However, there is a but… after around 8 months, Robert turned greedy, lazy and generally his head grew to such a size they had to make a larger entrance to his already large house. He spent a few years at Newcastle with Sir Bobby keeping him motivated to an extent. When he left, Souness got rid of him for his continued outbursts.
Robert is definitely talented, but I don’t know if its possible to get the great player out of him anymore.
Good luck anyway!
Posted April 14, 2008 05:43 AM
Nick
PEI
Robert is a luxury player at best, and TFC need more players who are prepared to get stuck in and grind a result, otherwise it is going to be a long, hard season. They need character players, and Robert is not one of them. He will be gone in a month.
Posted April 8, 2008 03:27 PM
Tony Mikulandra
Toronto
A few comments:
The supposed "gulf" that exists between the EPL and MLS is not a gulf. The MLS teams are on par with every other team in the EPL except for the "big 4" (Arsenal, Man U. Liverpool, Chelsea). I doubt Derby would not have difficulty beating TFC.
Laurent Robert will not have an impact on TFC.
Having seen the highlights from TFC's loss last Saturday I have to say our defenders are amateurs pretending to be pros. It was comical defending. To think that Toronto has traveling bands of fans that watch a semi-pro level of play tells me TFC fans are simply transplanted Leaf fans.
John Carver as coach of TFC is a bad omen for true fans that want to see a winning team on the field. (notice I did not say winning product)Carver was part of a Newcastle club that is the closest thing to the Toronto Maple Leafs in English soccer. A team with a rabid fan base, overinflated ego, and no silverware to show, oh and a lot of $. I hate to say it but TFC looks to follow the Leafs and not make any progress toward winning an MLS Championship anytime soon.
Posted April 7, 2008 09:27 PM
Murray Wentworth
Toronto
Toronto FC is on the fast track to being the worst franchise in the history of the league. It's twenty something fan base are simply looking for a drunken day out in public, which BMO provides.
The team itself is garbage and run by a guy who simply doesn't get it. That the MLS isn't league One football.
Robert is way past his prime. In three years at this rate when it's fan base get married and have kids, who'll show up at the park?
No one.
Posted April 6, 2008 09:51 PM
andrew bowman
Was interested to see Robert had signed in Toronto. Robert is no doubt an enigma on his day one of the best. A wasted talent no doubt but a talent none the less. One thing in Toronto's favour here is John Carver being in charge he was Sir Bobby Robsons assistant in Newcastle (i'm a season ticket holder for more seasons than i care to admit too) when laurent played his best years. He (Laurent)is a top performer but you may tear your hair out with him sometimes but give him encoragement he's a top top player. Just wanted to say good luck to the Caitals in the NHL playoffs
Posted April 6, 2008 06:36 PM
Mike
Nunavut
Laurent Robert is just trying to use MLS to redeem what's left of a career that is at best considered a disappointment -- Gazza tried something similar at DC United. Will he be of massive help to TFC? Probably not, but he might score a goal or two, and he might get MLS free publicity. And those can't be bad things.
Posted April 6, 2008 10:21 AM
Alex
Laurent Robert was due to come to Ipswich Town in the transfer window, but rejected a team that was pushing for promotion to the English Premier League for Derby County, a team at the bottom of the top division with one win all season. I think that says enough about his motives.
Posted April 5, 2008 09:20 PM
Gaetano
Toronto
Robert i believe is exactly what toronto needs
Like Reed said he took a contract that is un guaranteed. he knows he needs to preform to remain playing soccer.
Tonight Vs. DC... we will see an new TFC
Posted April 5, 2008 04:51 PM
Ben
Victoria
Laurent Robert undoubtedly showed signs of class while at Newcastle – and when on form, he was a favourite of the supporters. However, he could also be the most infuriating player on the pitch and often it was a case of one great match followed by two or three anonymous matches. If he could not find the effort, toughness and attitude under Sir Bobby Robson that would have made him a legend on Tyneside (and more recently could not even gain a contract at Derby County) I find it hard to believe that we will see a "new" Laurent Robert for Toronto FC. Granted, the MLS needs players like Robert, and the gulf in quality between the MLS and the Premiership could mean that, with little effort, Robert could still prove to be a huge asset to the club. Good luck Toronto FC, the Newcastle old-boys will definitely help and have got me interested!
Posted April 4, 2008 02:33 PM
mike
toronto
I was reading that during his tenure with Benfica, the fans nicknamed him "the mummy".
I guess we'll see....
Posted April 4, 2008 10:44 AM
John
Toronto
Robert has a track record of being a cry baby and getting into arguements with players and coaches. If he can control his temper, he'll be a great addition for TFC
Posted April 4, 2008 09:29 AM