Some of Canada’s most important performers from the club soccer weekend that was in the lead up to the World Cup are being analyzed in a new series.
In the September window, Canada will play two games, one in Canada and one in Austria. Les Rouges will be competing in the World Cup in the Middle East for the first time in 27 years.
Here is a list of the top-performing Canadian internationals across Europe and MLS this weekend. Competition is ramping up to make head coach John Herdman’s 26 man squad; players who were in previously precarious situations are now thriving and a few names are making a late push to crack the World Cup roster in November.
Jonathan David and Lille were defeated 7-1 by Paris Saint-Germain in the marquee game of the weekend.
David started up front for Les Dogues, a rarity so far with the 22-year-old shuttled to the right flank in an inside forward role, and he racked up two goals and two assists. David was still taking on the defense of Paris Saint-Germain, and he registered two shots.
David is a positive news for the Canadian men’s national team. Ideally, he stays in this inside forward role because David is best deployed playing behind a No. 9 or as part of a duo.
It was put to rest that there were any concerns about Steven Vitoria’s playing time at Chaves. The veteran defender was immense at the back as he picked up his third straight start.
The 35-year-old had three clearances, two intercepts, two blocks and five aerial battles. When Chaves have possession, Vitoria is deployed in the center of the back three. The more reps he gets in that role the better for the national team when the World Cup rolls around.
After a few seasons at Moreirense in Portugal, there were concerns that he would become stagnant. That doesn’t seem to be the case at Chaves, who was promoted from the second division.
When it comes to defenders, Montréal has become the home of Canadian internationals in MLS. A clean sheet in a victory over the New England Revolution on Saturday night was one of the highlights.
There are many fascinating people, but none are more fascinating than Alistair Johnston. He has added more offensive characteristics to his game this season, and he has shined at right wingback.
Johnston burst forward in the 34th minute against New England and picked out Choiniere in the box, but he couldn’t corral the ball in time to release a shot. Kei Kamara and Gabriele Corbo were both close to scoring off corners in the first half.
Considering that he has been used as a right-sided center back for Canada due to his defensive prowess, this could add an interesting wrinkle to the national team. While Tajon Buchanan is likely to be preferred on the right, his crossing abilities could be useful.
One of the most important players is Johnston, who was traded from Nashville SC. Canada topped the region, finishing above both the United States and Mexico, as well as him.
The two last-ditch blocks prevented Sam Adekugbe from recording two assists for Hatayspor in Turkey’s Sper Lig, which would have helped them as they lost 2-1 to Gaziantep on Saturday.
It was a huge show from Adekugbe. He was able to find space on the left flank. He was unstoppable defensively, winning all four of his duels and completing two intercepts.
It just reinforces Adekugbe’s strong two-way game and if he stays fit, he’ll be in top form when he goes to Qatar. Adekugbe started his pro career as a Whitecaps FC player and has been in Europe for more than half a decade.
The week began on a high for Junior, who scored for Reading in their win over Blackburn and then went the full 90 in their victory against Middlesbrough.
Junior Hoilett opens his 22/23 account with a GOLAZO 💥New season, same business from Junior Hoilett, who opened his 22/23 Reading account with a ROCKET in a 3-0 win today against Blackburn
Some goal from the #CanMNT man, who has been in good form in 22pic.twitter.com/FD2bxvhGxf
— Alexandre Gangué-Ruzic (@AlexGangueRuzic) August 17, 2022
He has started all of Reading’s games in England’s Championship at right wingback but has the freedom to roam across the pitch, so he will often be seen as an attacking winger or No. 10.
It will be handy when the World Cup comes around because Hoilett played for Canada recently. The ability to maneuver through tight spaces quickly and progress the ball can be utilized in a variety of roles, whether it’s on the flanks or in the middle.
Saturday evening’s 2-1 loss to Inter Miami was a blow to Toronto FC’s chances of making the MLS Cup Playoffs, but it further strengthened the national-team stock of the player. He returned to the Reds on a deadline day loan from the English team.
In the final third, his work rate off the ball and his composure on the dribble were all unleashed over the weekend, and it was a blessing for the Les Rouges. One of John Herdman’s most-capped players is ideally playing regularly because he remained consistently effective for Canada when he rode the bench.
In the order of right-sided players, Tajon Buchanan is in the top spot. The former New England Revolution winger hasn’t played this season for Club Brugge in Belgium due to injury and isn’t expected back until September, so he will have the upper hand come the September window.
