Bourne's Player Review : Central Midfielders

In order to celebrate what has been an excellent season, I invited Torino fan Peter Bourne to discuss each member of the member, with a focus on which players should be retained for next season.

Migjen Basha (ALB, 27), 24 appearances, vote 6

One of Ventura’s loyal foot soldiers. In all honesty, I was surprised when Basha was retained for the club’s first Serie A campaign, the fact that he has managed two top flight seasons is credit to his professionalism and adaptability.  Not the most deft player but tactically useful to the Ventura cause given his versatility across midfield and on occasions at right back.  The classic tigerish water carrier. Collected one of Toro’s two red cards, for a second yellow card at the end of the 2-0 defeat at Napoli.

Verdict: His contract expires in 2015 and will be interesting to see if the club offer an extension. On a technical level, a player who the team has outgrown. In terms of dressing room importance and tactical robustness, perhaps still an important character to have around. The confirmation of Europa League football may have secured his place in the squad.

Nicolo Bellomo (ITA, 23), 7 appearances (1 goal), vote 6

One of the most exciting summer signings having excelled in Serie B with Bari. Was expected to bring some creativity as a deep lying playmaker. The Giuseppe Vives-lookalike struggled to adapt to Ventura’s tactics and the top flight. The highlight of a few timid performances in the autumn was the last minute free-kick he curled into Inter’s net to secure a 3-3 draw. Seems Bellomo lacked the tactical maturity for Ventura to give him the keys to the midfield. He only featured 7 times in 21 games before a decent loan spell back in Serie B with Spezia.

Verdict: Clearly a player the club should not risk losing given his vast potential, although his contract is still half owned by Chievo. In an ideal world, Ventura will take a closer look at him in pre-season and assess whether he has matured sufficiently for a second chance.

Matteo Brighi (ITA, 33), 16 appearances (2 goals), vote 6,5

A useful addition to the team on their return to Serie A, given his wealth of top flight experience. Brighi’s spell at the club was a mix of solid performances, muscle breakdowns and an apparently uneasy relationship with the coach. Missed just four games (two due to injury) before he was sold to Sassuolo in January (as part of the Kurtic deal), partly owing to wanting more first team football. Reality may have been he felt his place in the team was under threat. Sassuolo bought Brighi more joy in a Torino shirt given his two goals this season were both scored against the Neroverde (including the Granata’s first of the campaign). His time in Emilia Romagna has so far been disappointing.

Alexander Farnerud (SWE, 30), 23 appearances (4 goals), vote 7

First player signed last season, his arrival marked the beginning of a forage into the overseas market. His record suggested a steady but unremarkable midfield player (only 8 caps for Sweden and arriving from the Swiss league). At first it wasn’t apparent what Farnerud was, he didn’t seem to have any dynamism, his distribution was wayward and games passed him by. Ventura persisted though and his well taken strike in the home draw against Inter suggested greater potential. A couple of goals before Christmas (away at Genoa and Udinese) pointed to an eye for goal and rare ability to break into the box. As spring approached, injuries set in and his crucial goal away at Catania marked his last contribution of the season as a serious knee injury set in.

Verdict: Overall a positive first season in a new league, some important goals and offered something different tactically. His ‘shoot on sight’ policy was not always successful. Will be part of the squad next season although likely to miss much of pre-season through injury. A squad player for the future rather than a first choice.

Omar El Kaddouri (MOR, 23), 29 appearances (5 goals), vote 7

Arguably the most enigmatic player in the squad and outside of the Cerci-Immobile partnership, the most menacing creative threat. Taking away injury and suspension, the Moroccan only sat out three Serie A games and became integral to Ventura’s thinking as the season developed. On the positive side, El Kaddouri represented an alternative attacking headache for opposition defences when the front two were denied space. His mazy dribbles, turn of speed and neat finishing showed a player of promises. El Kaddouri’s main weaknesses are his habit of drifting out of games (perhaps typical of most creative players) and his lack of conviction in some 50/50 situations. He needs to take on more responsibility and assert himself in matches. His goals and stronger performances tended to arrive against weaker teams.

Verdict: El Kaddouri’s loan spell from Napoli has ended. The club are keen to invest in the player but with half-sharing contracts no longer permitting in Serie A, Cairo will probably have to spend 4-5 million on the player. Has he done enough?

Alessandro Gazzi (ITA, 31), 11 appearances, vote 6

Perhaps the player to have regressed most from last season, when he was a mainstay of the side. Gazzi’s relative absence from the team has been quite strange given how much Ventura had relied on the player. Missed the first seven weeks of the season due to calcioscommesse and like Paulo Barreto never seemed to recover. Four of his eleven appearances arrived immediately after the suspension was lifted after which Gazzi started just once. Giuseppe Vives’s splendid form left the ex-Siena man in the shade while Basha was often preferred when the dirty work needed to be done. In addition to the suspension it seems Ventura wanted a more creative option in midfield in contrast Gazzi’s more aggressive style.

Verdict: One year left on his contract. A full pre-season without a suspension cloud hanging over him may revitalise his chances and form. Potentially a useful option in Europe. My suspicion is he will move on.

Jasmin Kurtic (SLO, 25), 16 appearances (2 goals), vote 7

Arrived on loan as part of the Brighi deal with the option for a permanent switch this summer. During his spells at Varese and Palermo had shown potential but seemed to be heading into a rut. His early displays were not encouraging, ponderous, wayward shooting, sloppy in possession. Ventura persisted and his faith was rewarded. Kurtic added energy to a tired midfield in the closing months, scored two important and well taken goals (at Lazio and Fiorentina) becoming one of the first names on the team sheet.

Verdict: Likely to be signed in the summer, providing a relatively average midfield with a mix of energy and creativity. Also likely to bring some experience and guile in Europe.

Panagiotis Tachtsidis (GRE, 23), 11 appearances (1 goal), vote 6

Like Kurtic, arrived in January in need of resurrecting his career. After a terrific Serie B season with Verona in 2011-12, struggled to adjust to the top flight at Roma and Catania. Best suited to the playmaker role, was drafted in to provide cover for Giuseppe Vives. It wasn’t until a substitute appearance at Inter in early March that the Greek international made his debut. He featured more regularly after that but only completed 90 minutes three times. A well taken goal away at Lazio being the highlight of his time at Toro so far. Seems to lack a bit of mobility and probably needed a great run in the side. Selected for the Greece World Cup squad.

Verdict: The team needs a general overhaul in midfield especially in terms of creativity. Based on what we have seen on the pitch, Tachtsidis is not necessarily the answer. That unless Ventura has seen something more in training.

Giuseppe Vives (ITA, 33), 33 appearances (1 goal), vote 7,5

The reverse Gazzi, ie. the most improved player in the squad. Vives missed just five games this season (three due to suspension) and completed the full 90 minutes 24 times. Impressive for a player who had been steady during his first two seasons with the club but was expected to feature little this campaign. The signs were encouraging from the start, Vives was man of the match in the season opener against Sassuolo and seemed revitalised (perhaps due to escaping any punishment in the calcioscommese scandal) but also by his new role as deep lying regista. His passing was crisp, often spectacular (see Immobile goal away at Roma), energy impressive and leadership skills exemplary. His contract was extended to 2015 once survival was achieved, just reward for his performances. In the final weeks of the season, he began to look a bit sluggish but it doesn’t overshadow his impressive year. A master of the tactical yellow card.

Verdict: Important in the dressing room and on the field, will be part of the squad next season which should take him past the 100 appearance landmark. Unlikely though to reproduce this season’s form, he should be used more economically.

Plan for 2014-15: The area (sales pending in attack) which needs the greatest injection of quality. Only Farnerud and Vives (contractually) are certain to stay. Gazzi and Basha offer cover and nothing else. If the club have their way El Kaddouri and Kurtic will be signed up and potentially starters. Tachtsidis and Bellomo are question marks. If Ventura sticks to a three man midfield or two man and a trequartista, three quality signings are needed. Emphasis on quality.

TORO 2014-15 (so far) - FORECAST

PADELLI – ALFRED GOMIS (GILLET OR LYS GOMIS)

DARMIAN (VESOVIC) – XX (XX)

GLIK (JANSSON) – MAKSIMOVIC (BOVO) – MORETTI

KURTIC (GAZZI, BASHA) – XX (VIVES, xx) – XX (EL KADDOURI, xx)

For more from Peter you can follow him on Twitter here and his book about his experiences following Torino can still be purchased from Amazon here.

Bourne's Player Review : Full Backs

In order to celebrate what has been an excellent season, I invited Torino fan Peter Bourne to discuss each member of the member, with a focus on which players should be retained for next season.

Matteo Darmian (ITA, 24), 37 appearances, vote 8

No outfield player played more minutes in Serie A this season than Matteo Darmian. Testament to his form, fitness and importance to the side. In the early part of the campaign, the 24-year old was overshadowed by his fellow wing-back, the more attack-minded Danilo D’Ambrosio. While Darmian started the season on the right, D’Ambrosio was switched to an unfamiliar left hand side. The latter prospered, caught the attention of other clubs, refused to sign a new contract and joined Inter when he was on the cusp of a national team call-up. Irony of sorts, D’Ambrosio (see Ogbonna) has yet to fair well at the ‘bigger’ club and is still to be called up for the Azzurri. Due to Toro’s perennial shortage of quality or fit left backs, Darmian was switched to the left for the second half of the season. And to complete the narrative, it was Darmian who finished the campaign in the national side. In all honesty, left-wing back is probably the weakest of the three positions he can play in. On the right side he has a more natural delivery and thrust, in central defence (where he will settle eventually) he looks composed and assured. Given that, his performances at left back, especially defensively, were always consistent and improving. As a full back, the 24-year old may be better suited to a four-man defence, as his inability to deliver in the final third is his main weakness. That said, he deserves the elevated rating.

Verdict: Signed a contract extension (until 2017) during the season but the late season national call-up has raised his stock. Milan are interested in bringing their former youth product home. Chances are Toro will try and not sell too many of the crown jewels and Darmian is not agitating for a move. To stay next season and possibly return to the right hand side.

Danilo D’Ambrosio (ITA, 25), 14 appearances (2 goals), vote 6,5

Based on the 14 performances this season, and two crucial goals against Bologna and Milan, probably deserves a higher rating. However, the rather unsavoury nature of his departure was a tad disappointing. A little like Ogbonna, it was not leaving that was the necessarily the problem, it was the lack of gratitude. D’Ambrosio’s contract was winding down and its not clear whether the club acted too late or the player was keen to move on. It was a sad end to D’Ambrosio’s four year spell in Turin which saw some highs and lows since his move from Juve Stabia in January 2010. On the back of his early season showings, he was on the brink of the national team and seemed to be developing into the complete modern wing-back. Remains to be clear whether Inter and their consistent instability was the right move.

Salvatore Masiello (ITA, 32) 8 appearances, vote 6

Toro’s (most) regular left-back during the 2012-13 season, and one of the remaining ex-Bari clan Ventura bought with him to the club. Signed a one year contract extension last summer and most of the pre-season was spent with the calcioscommesse scandal hanging over him (no charges were pressed). Started the season as back up to Giovanni Pasquale. Made his first appearance of the season in a bizarre substitute cameo in the first derby but his only run in the side came after Christmas when he started five games in a row. Maybe we were too accustomed to Pasquale’s hapless displays but Masiello looked to be playing his best football for the club before an injury sustained in the warm-up for the second derby match ruled him out for the season.

Verdict: Was relatively lucky to be retained last season, unlikely the club will offer Masiello a new contract.

Giovanni Pasquale (ITA, 32), 13 appearances, vote 5,5

After the summer-long pursuit of St Etienne’s Faouzi Ghoulam came to nothing (he eventually moved to Napoli and looks a good prospect), Toro opted for a more ‘second hand’ option in Venaria-born Giovanni Pasquale, a consistent performer during his long spell in Udinese. It looked like a fairly astute, short-term move, Pasquale only arriving after Andrea Dossena (another bullet dodged) failed a medical. Things started poorly for Pasquale, his 11-minute substitute appearance against Milan saw him concede a needless 94^th penalty (which cost Toro two crucial points). His first two starts against Sampdoria and Inter were barely more promising. Pasquale’s longest spell in the side came before Christmas, after which he was dropped for Masiello and then sustained an injury following the home defeat against Sampdoria which left Toro without a natural left back for the rest of the season.

Verdict: Maybe paid for not spending pre-season with the club. Frequent injuries did not help but Pasquale was one of this season’s big disappointments. Did nothing to fill the dreaded left back void. Will not be retained at the end of his loan.

Marko Vesovic (MNE, 22), 3 appearances, vote 6

Young Montenegrin international signed from Red Star in January. Following the success of Maksimovic, big things were expected of a another young talent recruited from the Baltic. We’ve only seen 179 minutes worth of Vesovic (starts against Inter and Genoa) and two relatively timid performances. Despite Toro’s struggles at full-back, Ventura seemed reluctant to give him an opportunity. Chances are he needs a full pre-season under his belt.

Verdict: Signed as back-up for Darmian, will seek to impress Ventura during pre-season and establish himself next season. Deserves a vote of confidence, only doubt on the horizon is his status as a non-European player which still could seem him sacrificed (possibly on loan) during the summer.

Plan for 2014-15: Right back looks relatively settled. Darmian should stay, Vesovic is an interesting back-up. Santos defender Bruno Peres is also set to join meaning Darmian could become the permanent left-back. The left hand side remains the club’s Achilles heel and needs to be addressed this summer with a quality signing.

For more from Peter you can follow him on Twitter here and his book about his experiences following Torino can still be purchased from Amazon here.

Immobile Departs

As expected, Torino striker Ciro Immobile has left the club to join Borussia Dortmund for a fee of around €19.5m.

The Serie A top scorer who scored 22 goals for the Granata last season has moved to the German giants on a five year contract, and the striker stated in a statement on his official website that this was an opportunity he couldn't afford to turn down.

That full statement can be found in English below.

Ciao Ciro, and thanks for the memories!

Forza Toro

Torino in Europe

Late on Thursday afternoon it was confirmed that Parma's appeal for a license that would allow them play in next season's Europa League had been rejected. That meant, that their place in Europe moved on to the next placed team in the Serie A table - Torino.

Whilst I am sure all Toro fans would have rather qualified in a more conventional manner, and would have done had Alessio Cerci not missed a late penalty, but this was a nice bonus.

Torino will find out their opponents for their first European match in twenty years on the 18th July when the draw for the third qualifying round is made. Their first match will be played on the 31st July (around a month before the Serie A season starts) with the second leg a week later on August 7th.

Bourne's Player Review : Centre Backs

In order to celebrate what has been an excellent season, I invited Torino fan Peter Bourne to discuss each member of the member, with a focus on which players should be retained for next season.

Cesare Bovo (ITA, 31), 20 appearances, vote 7

Has always been a more than capable player but injuries have curtailed his career. Genova’s Marassi proved his unlucky venue this season, away at both Samp and former club Genoa he was stretched off and faced a spell on the sidelines. During the second half of the season, Bovo enjoyed an injury-free spell in the team notably when Nikola Maksimovic was switched to wingback. Bovo is easily the most comfortable of Toro’s centrebacks in possession and despite the ‘nil’ in his goal count, a frequent menace from dead ball situations.

Verdict: Now in his second spell at the club, Bovo has done enough to be retained for next season.

Kamil Glik (POL, 26), 34 appearances (2 goals), vote 7

Became the first foreign player to be appointed fulltime Torino captain last summer. I was not necessarily 100% behind the decision, but as a leader Glik has excelled, proving the doubters wrong and perfectly embodying the spirit of the club. This season he seems to have cut out some of the rush of blood moments (the two sendings off in the derby games last season which partly earned him cult status). Glik struggled initially in the three-man defence, his lack of pace exposed during the early weeks of the season. It’s easy to forget how porous Toro’s defence was in the opening part of the campaign. Like the team he adjusted to the new system becoming one of the cornerstones of the side. Sometimes poor decision-making lets him down, the crucial penalty conceded at home to Parma a case in point. One surprising fact, Glik often seems more comfortable zonal defending than man-marking.

Verdict: Building a decent reputation for himself and wouldn’t be surprised if soon he has suitors in the Bundesliga or Premier League. Seems happy in Turin though and likely to lead the team in 2014-15

Nikola Maksimovic (SRB, 22), 23 appearances, vote 7

An interesting signing by Petrachi, recruited in the summer from Red Star Belgrade. Maksimovic is included in the list of centrebacks despite playing much of the season out of position at right wing back. Like most overseas signings, ‘Makso’ was given time to adapt to the league and Ventura’s particular style of play. Tall but good on the ball, the young Serbian looked more comfortable at the heart of the defence and is definitely one for the future. At right wing back he performed admirably but doesn’t have the pace, crossing ability or guile to offer what is required in the final third.

Verdict: Initially signed on loan, the club are in the process of tying him down to a four year contract. Has caught the attention of richer clubs but is likely to need another full season or two to fully develop. Almost certain to be a starter next year.

Emiliano Moretti, (ITA, 32) 36 appearances (1 goal), vote 7,5

Arrived literally through the back door in the summer. On the day the team met for the summer ritiro, Moretti suddenly showed up, kit bag in hand, to everyone’s general surprise. Like Bovo and Immobile, arrived after a disappointing campaign with Genoa. Following long spells with the Rossoblu and Valencia, the 32-year old was ready for a change. Initially expected to provide experienced cover, it was soon clear Ventura had Moretti pencilled in a starter on the left hand side of the three man defence. Easily Toro’s most consistent and reliable defender, he added balance and calmness to the reaguard. Often a goal threat. His potentially winning strike in Florence, unfairly ruled out, would have been the crowning moment of an excellent season. One black spot was the unfortunate, and ultimately uncostly slip, which gave Catania a 1-0 lead in early April.

Verdict: Will be one of the first names on Ventura’s teamsheet next season.

Guillermo Rodriguez (URU, 30), 6 appearances, vote 6

Looking back at my ratings, El Pelado was Toro’s most consistent central defender in 2012-13 (largely deputising for an injured Angelo Ogbonna). With Ventura switching to a three man central defence this season, Rodriguez was expected to find more opportunities – indeed he started the first two matches. Injuries though ravished his season and after Christmas he was only seen in the 1-0 away loss to Inter when Toro’s entire backline was injured or suspended. Rodriguez was arguably the Granata’s best player at the San Siro but nigging injuries continued to disrupt his return, proven by Ventura’s preference to play midfielder Giuseppe Vives in defence during emergencies.

Verdict: After two seasons and 28 appearances unlikely to be retained next season. Injuries denied him the chance to make a firm impression. A good player though.

Plan for 2014-15: Angelo who? Toro didn’t miss Ogbonna (who had been average last season anyway) and the money banked looks like great business. The centre-back area needs very little work during the summer assuming the quartet Bovo, Glik, Maksimovic and Moretti remain. Considering Matteo Darmian can act as cover as well, the club seem well placed. Young Swedish international Pontus Jansson will take Rodriguez’s slot in the squad and could be next season’s Maksimovic.

For more from Peter you can follow him on Twitter here and his book about his experiences following Torino can still be purchased from Amazon here.

Bourne's Player Review : Goalkeepers

In order to celebrate what has been an excellent season, I invited Torino fan Peter Bourne to discuss each member of the member, with a focus on which players should be retained for next season. 

Tommaso Berni (ITA, age 31), 0 appearances, no vote

Former Sampdoria, Lazio and curiously Wimbledon man was drafted in following Gillet’s ban as third choice goalkeeper. Never featured, aside from in touchline goal celebrations.

Verdict: Unlikely to be retained

Jean-Francois Gillet (BEL, age 34), 0 appearances, no vote

Toro’s virtual ever-present goalkeeper in the 2012-13 season and a faithful stalwart of Ventura. Was embroiled in the calcioscommesse scandal (related to his time at Bari) and received a belated three year, seven month ban during pre-season (later reduced to a little over a year on appeal). Gillet has always protested his innocence but the saga has cost him both his first team place and a spot in Belgium’s World Cup squad as back up goalkeeper. At nearly 35, still has time to resurrect his career. Toro have stayed loyal to the player who has one year remaining on his current deal.

Verdict: Would be surprising if Ventura reinstated Gillet over Padelli as first choice. And given that, unlikely Gillet will stay as a reserve. I would move him on. Feeling is though club will retain his services (short term)

Lys Gomis (SEN, age 24), 1 appearance (-1 conceded), vote 6

The goalkeeper who never plays, the perennial ‘number 13’. At nearly 25, Gomis still has a mere 22 first team appearances under his belt. On a positive note, a bout of sickness suffered by Padelli during the second half of the game against Genoa handed Gomis a 36-minute appearance and long-awaited Serie A debut. He looked nervous but was not to blame for the Rossoblu’s equaliser in a 1-1 draw. Cuneo-born and raised, Gomis switched his international allegiance to his parents’ native Senegal and made his debut in March against Mali. Desperately needs a full season (most likely in Serie B) to mature and improve. Now finds himself behind younger brother Alfred in the pecking order for next season.

Verdict: Lys, go out on loan and play some football somewhere.

Daniele Padelli (ITA, age 28), 38 appearances (47 goals conceded), vote 7

A lesson for Gomis. On signing at the age of 27, Padelli had less than 70 first team appearances to his name, keeping the bench warm in the provinces in between spells at Liverpool, Samp and Udinese. Was signed as an understudy to Gillet but seized his chance when the Belgian was banned for the season. Padelli’s form in pre-season convinced the club not to sign a new No 1. There were though a number of reservations, including the point @TorinoBlogger made that Padelli perhaps showed a lack of ambition have initially signed on as a reserve. Perhaps it was a calculated gamble by both club and player. The opening games were not too encouraging. Padelli lacked Gillet’s tidy footwork (a prerequisite of a Venturian goalkeeper) and looked both nervous and unconvincing on crosses (notably in the 3-3 draw with Inter) and long-range shots. His is a fine example of the benefits of giving someone a run in the side. By the turn of the year, Padelli had improved his kicking (and the defence readjusted to his style), mistakes were few and far between and he made several match winning saves (pick of the bunch away at Roma). Spent the final months of the season one booking away from suspension and sensibly trod the fine line to avoid missing a crucial game in the run in. Matured into a fine and reliable goalkeeper by the season’s end.

Verdict: Has earned his stripes and highly likely to be number 1 next season.

Plan for 2014-15: Padelli should be number 1. With (seemingly) no Europa League football, there is less need for an experienced back-up. Alfred Gomis has had an outstanding break out season in Serie B with Crotone and would be my choice as reserve. Lys Gomis to move out on loan, Berni and Gillet to depart.

For more from Peter you can follow him on Twitter here and his book about his experiences following Torino can still be purchased from Amazon here.

Torino FC Awards 2013/14

After only recently recovering from the heartbreaking end to the season that Torino suffered, it is now time to reflect on the positive aspects of what has been an excellent campaign.

Please read the write ups for each player in each category and email your votes to torinoblogger@hotmail.co.uk. The winning player for each category will be announced at the end of the month.

Player of the Season

Ciro Immobile
Signed in the summer as a replacement for the outgoing Rolando Bianchi, Immobile exceeded all expectations with an outstanding season. Despite not scoring his first league goal for the club until October, the former Genoa striker ended the season as the Serie A Capocannoniere with an exceptional 22 goals in 33 matches. His exceptional form at club level has lead to him being called up by Cesare Prandelli to the Italian national team, and he is expected to be included in the final 23 man squad for the World Cup.

Alessio Cerci
It will be difficult not to mention that penalty miss when referring to Alessio Cerci's season, but it is important to remember of the incredible contribution he made to Torino's campaign before that error. Giampiero Ventura's decision to move Cerci from his normal right wing position to a more central striking role seemed curious, but there is no doubt the switch worked better than anybody could have dreamt. Whilst statistics can often be over analysed in the modern game, the fact that Cerci was the only player in Serie A to achieve a 'double-double' (double figures in both goals and assists) his hugely impressive.

Kamil Glik
Whilst his season may not have been as exceptional as the previous two, Glik has been included for both his contributions on and off the field. Despite initially struggling to adapt to Ventura's new 3-5-2 formation, the Pole gradually grew into the role, and provided a number of imperious performances at the heart of the Torino defence, AC Milan away for example. As the first non-Italian player to captain Torino since 1960, Glik had a lot of pressure on his shoulders, but his personal tribute to 'Il Grande Torino' in the form of a personalised captain's armband was a classy touch.

Signing of the Season

Nikola Maksimovic
A summer signing from Red Star Belgrade, Maksimovic had to wait until to December to make his first start for the club, but even in this game against Udinese away it looked as if Toro had found a star. Comfortable on the ball and in the air, Maksimovic even played at right wing back towards the end of the season and never looked out of place.

Omar El Kaddouri
The Moroccan international signed for Torino on loan from Napoli, and added a creative spark that was so often missing last season. At times could be frustrating to watch when he lost possession, but his certainly one of the most gifted dribblers in the whole league. His tally of 5 goals and another 7 assists was an impressive return in his debut season.

Emiliano Moretti
The veteran defender arrived from Genoa in the summer tasked with providing experience to a young side, Moretti excelled on the left hand side of Toro's back three and apart from one slight mistake against Catania performed well in each of his 36 appearances, scoring 1 goal.

Surprise of the Season

Giuseppe Vives
At 33 years of age, I don't think anybody expected Giuseppe Vives to play such an important role in Torino's excellent campaign. Given the task of being Toro's regista, the former Lecce man often orchestrated Toro's play, perhaps best illustrated by his outstanding assist to Ciro Immobile against Roma.

Daniele Padelli
Now, I have to be a honest, at the start of the season after Padelli had made a number of high-profiled mistakes I was one of the Toro fans who believed that the former Liverpool goalkeeper should have been dropped and replaced by Lys Gomis. However, I am delighted to admit that I was wrong, and a number of outstanding performances in the second half of the season contributed to Toro's 7th place finish.

Matteo Darmian
For the past two seasons, Matteo Darmian has been Torino's most consistent player and therefore I guess the only 'surprise' was that he was able to continue this for yet another campaign. Despite being a player who is more comfortable defending than attacking, Darmian adjusted well to being played as a wing back (on both sides) and is finally receiving the international recognition his form has deserved.

Forza Toro