Amado Guevara will meet his new team for the first time in Los Angeles, Friday night. The Honduran international midfielder signed for Toronto Wednesday to make his return to MLS.
TFC coach John Carver believes Guevara will bring something different to the team offensively. "I've heard a lot of good things about him from Mo Johnston and some of players know him very well," said Carver. "He's highly respected and is the type of player we need to improve the quality of the team."
Guevara has been playing for Honduran side Motagua so is match fit, and has plenty of experience in Major League Soccer. The 31 year old spent four seasons with the Metrostars/Red Bulls, during which time he gained a reputation as one of the best players in the league.
"I can handle players with reputations and have worked with some of the biggest names in the game," said Carver. "He's a big name player and I'm sure we'll enjoy working together. It's all about knowing how to get the best out of players and I'm sure I can do that."
Guevara was named MLS MVP in 2004 when he scored 10 goals and had 10 assists. He was also named the team's MVP and finished the season as MLS Scoring Champion. He scored twice in the All-Star game and was honoured as the game's MVP.
"He's something different to what we've got," added Carver. "He's got a fantastic strike on him and will be another asset at set plays along with Laurent Robert. So we now have a left and right sided player who can strike a really good ball. He's very creative and he can open things up for us in the final third. He can get hold of the ball and then give us a chance to get up and support. He's just a very good player."
Toronto's Marvell Wynne played alongside Guevara at New York in 2006. "Amado's a very skilled and talented player, we all know that," said Wynne. "I think he'll be able to bring offensive composure. He can hold the ball up well and distribute it well. He's just smart on the ball and is the type of player that would be a good add to any team."
Guevara scored 8 goals that season. "He definitely knows how to score and move. He can predict the run of the play which is always good when it's in your favour. When you're playing with him it seems as though if you pass the ball to Amado you look like a good player. If you find him he'll distribute it well. He's an all round good player. He can good balls in for an assist or he can finish it himself, so he's a good offensive weapon for us," said Wynne.
Guevara is the captain of the Honduran national team and their all time caps leader. He has 22 goals in 105 international games. He'll train with the team for the first time on Saturday and could make his debut against L.A. Galaxy on Sunday. The game is live on The Score: kick off 3pm.
