Mihailovic Ignites Toronto FC Revolution as USMNT Star Makes Explosive Debut
The Djordje Mihailovic chapter has commenced at Toronto FC.
Just under two months following their exit from costly contracts with criticized Designated Players Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi, TFC invested up to $9 million in an intra-league acquisition, securing the USMNT midfielder from the Colorado Rapids.
For many, it represented an excessive price for the MLS talent who had also previously suited up for TFC's adversary, CF Montréal. However, for the organization, it was a necessary step to acquire a reliable performer and a central midfield component to construct around.
The chapter opened on Saturday, with Mihailovic wearing the No. 10 jersey for his inaugural appearance in a 1–1 stalemate against the MLS Supporters' Shield-leading Philadelphia Union, earning a point and offering insight into what lies ahead.
"He performed exceptionally well. I believed early in the match, he delivered some penetrating passes that really had the potential to develop into opportunities and he is very swift to identify where there's an opening to execute something," head coach Robin Fraser commented following the match.
"He's extremely capable of spotting openings rapidly and delivering passes with proper timing at the correct weight and such, and I felt it was truly beneficial for us."
While the Reds allowed an early goal, Mihailovic demonstrated his abilities in the initial minutes. The 26-year-old quickly pivoted with possession, and delivered multiple first-half through balls to striker Ola Brynhildsen, who continued to face challenges creating additional attacking chances.
Subsequently, Mihailovic surged down the left flank independently, only to be halted by a sliding challenge from Philadelphia's Jakob Glesnes. Nevertheless, his impact was clear, and represents something TFC has lacked for an extended period.
"We needed to dig deep and battle today, and we observe that Djordje is also a competitor, and he ran and defended and truly put in the effort," Fraser continued.
He also contributed to Toronto's goal, earning a secondary MLS assist on the sequence, after distributing the ball to Malik Henry, who located Deandre Kerr with a cross. That instance emphasized an evening which witnessed Mihailovic complete seven passes into the final third and generate four scoring opportunities.
While TFC have obtained results against some of the elite teams in MLS before Mihailovic's arrival, none have arrived with a feeling of stability and development that the squad displayed against the Union.
Rather, those earlier performances, including draws against Inter Miami and Vancouver Whitecaps FC, have occurred in grinding matches, while frequently being completely dominated, which wasn't the situation on Saturday.
"This evening it wasn't merely battling and grinding," Fraser continued. "We discovered quality with possession, generated multiple good opportunities, and competed effectively in what is a very challenging venue."
Ready for More
Toronto FC showed no reluctance in investing substantial funds to acquire Mihailovic. While the enormous fee ranks among the highest of MLS Cash-for-Player transactions, he might prove to be worth the investment.
However, his experience in Montreal during his tenure in the league has enabled him to witness what Toronto can become as an organization and a city, even as the golden years from 2016 to 2019 recede into history.
"When I consider Toronto FC, all I envision is the treble, championships, the MVP athletes before me, and you think of simply a massive organization," Mihailovic stated the day prior to his debut. "That was the perception when I initially entered the league, and that concept alone attracted me instantly.
"When I learned of this possibility... I immediately attempted to seize it. The prospect of competing here, assisting the team for however many seasons I'm here, and to become part of that legacy and to help restore Toronto to the summit of the league."
While the club will still require additional roster investment, Mihailovic was a logical choice, particularly considering the last occasion they added a 26-year-old USMNT midfielder, it was Michael Bradley in 2014, and that initiated the club's most successful period.
However, as promising as Mihailovic can be, the weaknesses within the squad, and particularly the offense, were abundantly clear in the draw against the Union, and a harsh reminder that the signing is for tomorrow, rather than attempting to bridge the 14-point deficit between them and the final MLS Cup Playoff position.
"Everyone discusses winning, everyone discusses making playoffs, but I could genuinely feel the sincerity behind them explaining their vision of returning to the top of the league," Mihailovic added. "I believe in them."
