Toronto FC 2015 Top 30 Countdown: #10 Marky Delgado

Picking him up in the Chivas USA dispersal draft pickup, Marky Delgado appeared to be a solid young piece who could one day live up to his potential. After coming off of a difficult U-20 World Cup, it was surprising to see Delgado step up and earn a run with the first team in the second half of the season. With 20 appearances, 3 goals and 3 assists, coming in at number 10 on the top 30 countdown is Marky Delgado.

Average Rating: 9.9

Highest Rating: 7

Lowest Rating: 14

After a quiet first half of the season, where the most playing time he saw was with the U-20 USA team, Delgado had not yet earned the chance to prove himself in a Toronto FC uniform.

All this changed in a mid season match against the Montreal Impact when coach Greg Vanney gave Delgado his first start with the team. Having seen Delgado progress from his time as an assistant coach at Chivas USA, it looked as if Vanney had the confidence and optimism to see Delgado take his next step.

Vanney was pleased with what he saw from Delgado's first game with the team that he proceed to start him for 19 of the following 20 games. Delgado was no stranger to playing in MLS as he had started 12 games with Chivas USA in 2014.The difference this year being that Delgado was now playing with experienced midfielders such as Michael Bradley and Benoit Cheyrou.

Delgado would also play a handful of matches at right back. While he did not look terrible at the position, it was clear that with his skill set that he would be a better fit in the midfield. At only 20 years of age, Delgado is already a MLS calibre starter and can only get better. In interviews, Delgado has stated that he tries to emulate teammate and fellow American Michael Bradley.

If Delgado can continue to grow at his current pace, there is a very reasonable chance that he could one day be one of the top midfielders in MLS. It is surprising to see little about him mentioned when it comes to the top up and coming young American players in the league.

Despite all of the potential and growth that was seen from Delgado this season, it did not end the way he would have liked it. In the final games of the season, Delgado was dropped to the bench in favour of veteran Robbie Findley. Although this may have been more of a coaching error, as Findley looked out of place in a position where Delgado had succeeded.

Going into the 2016 season with Toronto FC, Delgado may struggle to find the same number of first team minutes that he had received this season. With the addition of Will Johnson, and the rumours of another right flank midfield signing, it appears as if Delgado will have to battle it out for minutes with the likes of Benoit Cheyrou and Colin Warner.

With the depth that the team has added, Delgado may find himself looking at the team from outside of the 18. If that is the case, there is a very reasonable chance that Delgado could see minutes with TFCII or perhaps on loan elsewhere.