Very poor man's Rafael van der Vaart?On the eve of the MLS expansion draft comes a rumour that Toronto FC has signed Dutch midfielder Bas Ent to a three-year contract. Haven't heard of Bas Ent? Not to worry, neither has most of Holland! However, if you were at this past season's TFC v Bolton Wanderers friendly you have seen him... you just didn't know it.
Ent has been playing in the USL PDL with the nationalistic Dayton Dutch Lions of Dayton, Ohio - obviously a hotbed of North American Dutch culture. (You should try Dayton's coffee shops!) While with Dutch Lions, Ent had a trial with TFC and actually dressed for a half with The Reds against Bolton. Previous to his stint in the U.S. Ent had bounced around the Dutch lower divisies with his career high being a 10 game stint with second tier FC Volendam. He is currently the property of Dutch powerhouse club (I don't know how to do Holland sarcasm) VV Katwitjk but may have done enough to impress TFC to garner a long-term deal.
If the move does get completed it does raise one major league alarm bell. Why is the "interim" GM making signings that will effect the 2011 roster? Yes, Ent's contract won't be guaranteed for 2011 but we thought they were still working on a "philosophy"? The rumour may come to naught but if it does materialise, isn't it about time we realize that the "interim" in front of Earl Cochrane's title is "interim" in itself. Colour us unsurprised.
WORD FACTOR: 7 / 10
Dutch man's Andy Welsh?
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I recall that Ent was a force to be reckoned with against Bolton. He was always looking to take on defenders and create something down the right wing. This signing is a great indication that all this talk about "philosophy" is smokescreen and bunk. Talent is both flexible and surprising, TFC needs talent and the wisdom to see it when comes their way. Ent may not be the answer, but looking for swift wingers with a good touch on the ball is a step in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteGenerally, I do not get overly excited by signings on TFC anymore. Overwhelmingly disappointing is how I would describe my outlook.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I did notice the gameplay of Ent during the Bolton game and consider the acquisition of another "wing" style player a move in the right direction.
At point of writing, I am more interested in the outcome of the expansion draft. I would not be surprised if Vancouver or Portland do not select a single TFC player left unprotected. I hope some of these inherited dregs go...........
Goodbye OBW - Vancouver took him in the above mentioned expansion draft, also TFC released Gabe Gala, Martin Saric, Maxim Usanov, Raivis Hscanovics and Mista.
ReplyDeleteFewer dregs on the decks...
Jah mahn, he gone!
ReplyDelete