Why has Sebastian Giovinco not been given a chance?

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Not sure if you folks across the globe are aware but this Sebastian Giovinco fella has absolutely dominated the MLS the past few years and is pure class. Living in Vancouver Canada, I support the Whitecaps (our local MLS team) but on the other side of the country in Toronto, man everyone in the league across North America knows about this guy. Have had the chance of watching him play first hand here when TFC head over to the west coast and he's absolutely sensational.


...now I know everyone's first reaction is going to be "well it's the MLS", but this guy is truly special and exceptional. He's without doubt head and shoulders beyond all others in the league and is already being touted as the best to ever play in the MLS. He's a no.10/secondary central forward/CAM, a free kick wizard, undersized, but a magician with the ball at his feet and I can't emphasize that enough. It's like when Neymar played in the Brazilian league, everyone knew he was too good for it but it didn't take away from his quality and likewise is the case with Giovinco so no room for any "shitty goalkeeping" comments either; a perfectly placed ball is perfectly placed regardless of who's in net. Too good for the MLS and beyond me why he's not playing in Europe let alone any mid tier club in the EPL who would undoubtedly reap the benefits of such talent.

Prior to his move to the MLS, he was with Juventus who preferred Llorente and Tevez. He held his own but left due to lack of playing time. And ever since he left, he's just gotten incredibly better and better. Deadly clinical finishing ability. There was a bit of controversy not too far back when he was left off Italy's international squad when a player like Zaza got a gig who's bang on average at best. Word was he was even good enough to start for them but the manager said himself it's because he plays in the MLS / politics screwed him over.

In terms of player comparable, not joking one bit but he's pretty much a carbon copy of Coutinho - yes he's that good. Don't get how a player like Chicharito is loved by so many but then you have Giovinco who most have not heard of who's undeniably more talented and the better player. Unfortunate that Giovinco is 30 years of age now but he's still very well in his prime. Will be playing at the level he is for another 4-5 years easy and hey, a potential move would be better late than never. I honestly rate him higher than the likes of Sigurdsson, Lallana, Cazorla, Giroud, Fellaini, Sturridge, Javier, Llorente, Welbeck - who are for the most part regular contributors for their respective clubs so just crazy to think teams haven't given Giovinco an opportunity. And yes there's always the "he's too small" or "he won't adjust to the EPL" talk but that goes for any player so don't get why that should be held against him.


So yea, wouldn't mind hearing what people have to say. If I had to put him on a spectrum for reference sake, I'd place him ahead of Mikhi, Mata, Vardy but behind Coutinho, Alli, Lacazette. Mind Giovinco is a no.10 but can also play ST if need be, just giving examples of similar styles of players as him in the EPL ...in all honesty any team would be better off with him than without and it might be one of those rare instances of things that never were or what could've been does he not get a fair chance in Europe.
 
He could play for a mid-table team, and good teams throughout Europe, but a level below the elite. I don't think a non-top 6 team would be willing to pay him what Toronto does, especially since he's in his early 30's and isn't proven in the league. He's basically Messi at the MLS level though.

I don't think he's at the level you've place him at. I'd assume Mikhi and Mata would destroy the MLS in a similar fashion.
 
MLS is at a championship/league 1 standard. This isn't to be disparaging, it's just an objective assessment of the facts. He was desperately average in Serie A. No surprise he's gone to MLS and torn it up. A league where Bradley Wright-Phillips top scored.
 
Isn't he getting something like $8M/year in Toronto?
He couldn't make it at Juventus and is probably enjoying ripping the MLS to pieces while making money he couldn't earn in Europe while playing for a midtable club in the EPL or Serie A.
 
He is not ahead of any of those guys you mentioned. There's a reason he bolted for MLS. He was never going to be top tier. Mhki is a Bundesliga player of the year, Mata is a European champion, and Vardy lead his team to a EPL title while beating a historical goal scoring record.
 
He could play for a mid-table team, and good teams throughout Europe, but a level below the elite. I don't think a non-top 6 team would be willing to pay him what Toronto does, especially since he's in his early 30's and isn't proven in the league. He's basically Messi at the MLS level though.

I don't think he's at the level you've place him at. I'd assume Mikhi and Mata would destroy the MLS in a similar fashion.

Probably right in terms of salary. Other than that, don't see what's holding any club from offering him a role even a top6 side, he's just as good if not better than most starters/subs for those teams.

As for the bolded, not a chance lol. Offensively, he is clearly a few notches above them. Speed alone is something that stands out, as well as his dribbling and shot. Passing I'd say is on par with Mikhi/Mata but that's about it.
 
Isn't he getting something like $8M/year in Toronto?
He couldn't make it at Juventus and is probably enjoying ripping the MLS to pieces while making money he couldn't earn in Europe while playing for a midtable club in the EPL or Serie A.

This about sums it up.

I'm just surprised no European side has given him a chance again is all.
 
Most people will know who he is. If he had stayed in europe and been adventurous he probably could of had a similar career to somebody like Bojan.
 
Probably right in terms of salary. Other than that, don't see what's holding any club from offering him a role even a top6 side, he's just as good if not better than most starters/subs for those teams.

As for the bolded, not a chance lol. Offensively, he is clearly a few notches above them. Speed alone is something that stands out, as well as his dribbling and shot. Passing I'd say is on par with Mikhi/Mata but that's about it.
I really think you are overvaluing the MLS in this regard. Mata and Mikhi have had very strong performances on teams in the CL, and both would have gotten some time with Juventus and not relegated to the bench like Giovinco. I doubt Giovinco could have had the season Mkhi had at Dortmund, or been key for a team to win the CL like Mata. If he was a few levels above them, he would be a starter for Juve and Italy at the moment.
 
Probably right in terms of salary. Other than that, don't see what's holding any club from offering him a role even a top6 side, he's just as good if not better than most starters/subs for those teams.

As for the bolded, not a chance lol. Offensively, he is clearly a few notches above them. Speed alone is something that stands out, as well as his dribbling and shot. Passing I'd say is on par with Mikhi/Mata but that's about it.

:eek::lol::lol:
 
He wouldn't get the same space in Europe. His movement wouldn't be good enough. He wouldn't get the same amount of time on the ball. When you have space and time, and then average runs are enough to allow you to open yourself up its easy to be clinical.

Brains are quicker in Europe. Teams defend better as a team in Europe. Players are stronger in the PL.

This is why Dwight Gayle and Andre Gray score 20+ goals in the championship.
 
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I remember him just being ok at Juventus

Scored over ten goals once for Juventus, and scored over 15 once in Europe. He was already going downhill when he left. His goal scoring record will look a lot better in the history books by moving to MLS.
 
I really think you are overvaluing the MLS in this regard. Mata and Mikhi have had very strong performances on teams in the CL, and both would have gotten some time with Juventus and not relegated to the bench like Giovinco. I doubt Giovinco could have had the season Mkhi had at Dortmund, or been key for a team to win the CL like Mata. If he was a few levels above them, he would be a starter for Juve and Italy at the moment.

Oh I'm not comparing him to Mikhi/Mata of past, in comparison to how their form is atm. Obviously makes no sense in comparing prime Mata or Mikhi to him but I'm talking in general as of right now.

And with that yes of course he wouldn't have the same effect they did those years. They're more playmakers/creators whilst Giovinco is a finisher/attacker.
 
At Juve he failed because of his size, any smart defender had too good a chance to outpower him, irresepective of his tricks and pace. He was very good for Parma and Empoli, though, so he can actually make a difference as a second striker or on the counter, at mid table level in Italy. Free kicks were also impressive. He was never going to be a top notch player, unfortunately, but ability wise he is truly gifted.
 

I second this lol.

"clearly a few notches above them" lol. Why is it so difficult to understand that MLS is just below the standard of European comp level. Just look at how many players who can smash the championship but the next following when the clubs got promoted to EPL, the same players couldn't perform and end up being sold to another championship club.
 
Oh I'm not comparing him to Mikhi/Mata of past, in comparison to how their form is atm. Obviously makes no sense in comparing prime Mata or Mikhi to him but I'm talking in general as of right now.

And with that yes of course he wouldn't have the same effect they did those years. They're more playmakers/creators whilst Giovinco is a finisher/attacker.
I still think they are currently better players, and he would have a very hard time getting playing time at United. What he does in the MLS is exciting, but its Championship/league 1 level defending, with pretty much all high-end import players being attackers. Top defenders with size, smarts and pace would give him nightmares and mark him out of the game.
 
Mind expanding on that?

...don't know if you've seen Giovinco but his speed and finishing/shooting is clearly better than Mata and Mikhi lol

If that's how you judge players then every clubs should just sign players who is very quick and can shoot only. To be fair though, I have watched Giovinco in Juventus, he's more a second striker than attacking midfielder like Mata & Mkhy. Finishing is not something you should use to make comparison between attackers & midfielders.
 
Giovinco is nowhere near Mata and Mkhi.

It's blasphemy to even think they're on the same level.
 
Toronto FC is only 12 years old? :eek: clubs in the MLS are pretty new.

I'm assuming Giovinco should be pretty high up in their all time scoring list, and probably a legend there going by them youtube videos

edit - impressive atmosphere in some of them games. they seem to be loving it. football might actually have a chance in north america after all. maybe in 50+ more years it might be pretty big
 
Please let us keep him. He's good enough to be playing at a better level though.
 
Toronto FC is only 12 years old? :eek: clubs in the MLS are pretty new.

I'm assuming Giovinco should be pretty high up in their all time scoring list, and probably a legend there going by them youtube videos

edit - impressive atmosphere in some of them games. they seem to be loving it. football might actually have a chance in north america after all. maybe in 50+ more years it might be pretty big
Toronto is one of the most successful teams in the MLS. There are some other really good markets like Seattle and Portland. I don't see it being as big as the NFL, unless concussions really damage interest and participation in the sport. They are slowly gaining on the MLB and NBA. It should eventually pass the NHL, if it hasn't already in a lot of markets.
 
Toronto FC is only 12 years old? :eek: clubs in the MLS are pretty new.

I'm assuming Giovinco should be pretty high up in their all time scoring list, and probably a legend there going by them youtube videos

edit - impressive atmosphere in some of them games. they seem to be loving it. football might actually have a chance in north america after all. maybe in 50+ more years it might be pretty big

Yea, lots of new clubs and more which are on the verge of being formed.

Tbh the atmosphere and popularity is established. Just the quality that lacks obviously but in terms of a foundation, everything's there.


Just throwing this out there, Seattle atmosphere is the best I've ever been a part of bar it was a NFL playoff game. Loudest ever crowd rating recorded and left my ears buzzing and ringing for 5 days :nervous:
 
Giovinco isn't good enough to play for a top team. The teams he is good enough to play for can't /won't pay him as much as Toronto. Simple as that.
 
Not given a chance? He played in Italy for 6 years, he was given plenty of chances. He showed himself to be a mid table player. What makes you think he would be capable of more now he's in his 30s and has spent the last 3 years in a third/fourth tier league.
 
What if he just prefers it in Toronto? He's living in a gorgeous city making one of the highest wages in MLS. I wouldn't blame him if he was unwilling to leave a comfortable situation like that.
 
What if he just prefers it in Toronto? He's living in a gorgeous city making one of the highest wages in MLS. I wouldn't blame him if he was unwilling to leave a comfortable situation like that.

Is he not living in Toronto then? But, yeah there's no reason for him to leave. He's a big fish in a small pond, he was given chances in a bigger pond and they didn't work out.

OP is wrong about people not knowing about him though, most people do just as most European scouts are surely aware of him and have opted not to take a chance on him.
 
He is a dog on my fifa mobile team. Nearly all my goals come through him so I think he deserves a shot
 
I wrote to the club in 2006, begging Sir Alex to sign him :lol:
 
Most people know him, even as a youngster he had a bit of hype around him.
Decent Everton level player but not the world class talent the op implies
 
What if he just prefers it in Toronto? He's living in a gorgeous city making one of the highest wages in MLS. I wouldn't blame him if he was unwilling to leave a comfortable situation like that.
Exactly, quality of life. Smart guy if you ask me.
 
Most people know him, even as a youngster he had a bit of hype around him.
Decent Everton level player but not the world class talent the op implies

You know who else was a decent Everton level player? Lukaku :smirk:


:lol: Joking aside, yea I guess so since he hasn't proven it other than in the MLS. I am however a firm believer if he was given the chance he'd prove the doubters wrong. Not world class no, but definitely upper class levels of quality on par with the likes of Coutinho...well at least that's what I think which is a bit far fetched, just a bit hahah. Like the talent is there no doubt about it, just sucks and will always be the mystery that he wasn't offered an opportunity to prove it/cement it in more qualified leagues. Because if he was able to adapt and make the transition, man he'd be a big deal. And like others have mentioned, he probably doesn't mind where he is now either. In a near perfect scenario making the money he is and being able to poster boy the MLS :p
 
What if he just prefers it in Toronto? He's living in a gorgeous city making one of the highest wages in MLS. I wouldn't blame him if he was unwilling to leave a comfortable situation like that.
He does and has spoke about loving Toronto. He especially likes how he is largely left alone in Toronto compared to in Italy where he can barely go outside.

OP is massively overrating, saying he is better than the likes of Cazorla or Mata is short of laughable. He has been given a chance with years at Juventus and he just isn't good enough for a top team. He could for sure play for some mid-table teams or a Europa team in France or something. The point of not being able to get the money isn't entirely true by others though too as the likes of West Ham are throwing similar amounts at the likes of Arnautovic.
 
The level of the MLS is just too low to base judgment on. That means he gets judged on his years in Italy, where he definitely wasn't good enough. If you want to be compared to the big boys, you have to play at their level.
 
Bradley Wright Phillips was a fairly underwhelming Championship striker and now he's one of the all time MLS top goal scorers. Giovinco would be a very good player in Europe just not for the big teams.
 
I think people are a bit too quick to dismiss him here.

In terms of raw ability, giovinco is probably up there with mata and mhiki.

His problem was always his physique and he was never able to find a way to compensate for that. If he had been taller and stronger than, he would have been a top player.

When he left Europe he was still a good player in a top league whose natural ability was higher than his performances suggested.

It's not improbable to think that he's a better player now than he was in Italy. He wouldn't be the first talent who matured late in life and only then became good enough to do it for a top club.
 
I think people are a bit too quick to dismiss him here.

In terms of raw ability, giovinco is probably up there with mata and mhiki.

His problem was always his physique and he was never able to find a way to compensate for that. If he had been taller and stronger than, he would have been a top player.

When he left Europe he was still a good player in a top league whose natural ability was higher than his performances suggested.

It's not improbable to think that he's a better player now than he was in Italy. He wouldn't be the first talent who matured late in life and only then became good enough to do it for a top club.

I think its unfair to Mata, Mkhi, and Vardy to lower them to a guy that averaged 5 and half goals in Europe. Then bolted to a league where he is averaging 22.