He’s the kind of player that’s just fun to watch. He steps over the ball and cuts in, passing with more than just repetitive boredom – each movement on and off the ball is visibly thought out, planned. His head is up, his feet are constantly moving, and his turn is precise. Giving up Eric Avila may just prove to be FC Dallas’ biggest blunder of their season.
Eric Avila is establishing himself in Toronto FC’s starting lineup with every passing game. He has the vision, the pace, and most importantly, the attacking mindset so many midfielders in Toronto don’t. It doesn’t hurt that he’s got a few tricks up his sleeve as well. Traded from FC Dallas for ex-captain Maicon Santos, Avila fits Aron Winter’s expectations to a tee; a young, domestic player who’s got talent, plays the system, and isn’t afraid of the ball. He’s fitting in well for Toronto, and Avila is pleased.
“I think adjusting to them here, you know, it’s a different country obviously but I love the city, all the players here are very welcoming,” says Avila. “I couldn’t be happier.”
He’s been given a chance in Toronto, something he wasn’t really getting in Dallas. It’s a trend throughout the league, and one that Toronto FC fans will be more than pleased to capitalize on. It’s important to remember that Maicon Santos’ departure wasn’t due to a lack of form or fitness; he just didn’t fit anywhere on the field. One misfit for another, and both teams have benefited.
“Of course, it’s always a learning experience,” he says of his newfound playing time, which has seen him utilized as a centralized attacking midfielder, the top point of a 4-3-3 triangle. For Avila, a fixed position doesn’t restrict his game:
“Going forward left, mid, or right I’m most comfortable. In the middle there comes a lot of responsibilities so I’ve got to work both sides of the ball.”
Toronto’s midfield is dynamic. The room between the three can be vast, and slip-ups can lead to counterattacks. Eric Avila doesn’t care; he pushes forward confidently, putting his trust in the hands of his teammates.
“I’ve got two really good players behind me. You’ve got Torsten Frings, you’ve got Julian de Guzman in the middle that can guide me, you know, I take all the information they give me, and it makes things easier for me.”
The presence of de Guzman and Frings gives Avila more chances to create. Team chemistry is quickly building, and Toronto’s midfield has grown stronger in the process. Avila doesn’t back away from the offensive side of the game, which just goes to show the tremendous influence that Toronto’s midfield DP-duo have on the rest of the team.
“They give me the freedom to go out and create and try to do something and connect with the forwards, I feel comfortable with them behind me. They’re always encouraging me.”
Of course, being a new player has its challenges. Avila must continue to work hard to cement a starting position, just like every one of Winter’s newest signings. The same can be said for newcomer Kyle Davies, a former teammate of Avila, who Toronto traded Dasan Robinson to Los Angeles for. Avila is excited about reuniting with his old teammate.
“It’s always nice to have someone coming in that you know, so I think Kyle’s going to be a great addition,” says Avila. “It’s a team that we’re still forming.”
Their first order of business? Exploring Toronto. Eric Avila’s got a few choice spots for a night out around town.
"I enjoy the Lightbox on King Street; I think that’s a really good spot! I’ve been going up to college, and I really like Queens, there’s a whole hipster area here, there’s a lot of culture here and I love just walking around and enjoying the city.”
As for the rest of the season, Avila remains determined. Though playoffs may seem a distant dream, and Dallas falling to Pumas has put Toronto’s chances for a Champions League birth at risk, Avila isn’t going to sit back and relax.
“We’re in the second half of the season where we’re getting more points. We’re getting results. We’re trying to finish strong."
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