Landon Donovan and Tim Howard Slam Ex-Toronto FC Stars

Landon Donovan and Tim Howard Criticize Toronto FC’s Italian Duo

Landon Donovan and Tim Howard Take Aim at Toronto FC’s Big Signings

Landon Donovan and Tim Howard, two legendary figures in American soccer, have not held back in their criticism of former Toronto FC stars Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi. Both ex-USMNT players voiced their frustration with how the high-profile Italian duo have performed in Major League Soccer, saying their time in Toronto has been nothing short of disappointing.

The Failed Promise of Insigne and Bernardeschi at Toronto FC

Toronto FC made headlines when they brought in Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi as Designated Players, expecting the pair to elevate the club to new heights in MLS. However, Donovan, currently a popular TV pundit, described Toronto’s DP situation as “a joke,” pointing out the lack of impact both players have had since arriving. Tim Howard echoed these sentiments, stating that the team, once poised for dominance, has instead become a cautionary tale for clubs splurging on overseas talent.

“A Disaster for the Club”

Donovan did not mince words, calling the Italian duo “a disaster.” Howard went further, saying, “Toronto was supposed to be Atlanta before Atlanta,” referring to the meteoric rise of Atlanta United in MLS. According to both, Insigne and Bernardeschi have not only failed to deliver on the pitch but have also contributed to a turbulent atmosphere off it, embarrassing the club and its fans.

Examining Toronto FC’s Struggles with Big-Name Transfers

The signings of Insigne and Bernardeschi generated immense hope for Toronto FC supporters. However, the reality has been far from ideal. The Italians’ inconsistency, injury struggles, and reported locker room unrest have hampered Toronto’s ambitions. Donovan and Howard highlighted how these issues have prevented the club from developing homegrown talent and building a cohesive squad.

Looking to the Future: Rebuilding Under John Herdman

Both Donovan and Howard believe that Toronto FC must focus on a long-term rebuild. They advocate for patience under the leadership of coach John Herdman. “Toronto needs to give Herdman multiple years to reshape the squad, nurture young talent, and restore pride to the club,” Donovan insisted. Howard added that Toronto should learn from their mistakes and become a club focused on sustainable growth rather than chasing quick fixes.

How Can Toronto FC Move Forward?

The fallout from the failed Insigne and Bernardeschi experiment is a stark reminder for MLS clubs about the risks of marquee signings. Toronto FC now looks to regroup, with the front office and technical staff searching for a new strategy. The consensus among experts is clear: building a competitive team requires more than star power—it demands vision, culture, and patience.

Opinion: Toronto FC Must Prioritize Club Identity Over Star Names

In my view, Toronto FC’s recent missteps with high-profile signings like Insigne and Bernardeschi underline the importance of club identity and long-term planning in MLS. Flashy names can bring attention, but they rarely compensate for a lack of chemistry and leadership. As the club moves forward, investing in youth development and establishing a clear footballing philosophy will be crucial to regaining respect and competitiveness.

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