Top Prospects: Ranking Toronto FC's 2022 Rising Stars

When it comes to Canadian soccer talent, we’re living in a golden era. More and more young Canadians are coming through the ranks, especially at Toronto FC where they are being given an unprecedented opportunity.

Perhaps some of that is out of necessity as the club undergoes dramatic roster changes. Nevertheless, the young guns are at the forefront of a lot of conversations among the fan base, the media, and inside the organization.

So without further ado, our 2022 Toronto FC Rising Stars rankings.

Before we start, there are two requirements to make this list:

1. Must be signed to a Toronto FC first-team contract
2. Have to be 22 years old or younger

**Rankings are based off potential impact in 2022

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‍10. Kosi Thompson | Midfielder | Age: 19

The new kid on the block, who turned heads at training camp, finds himself at No. 10 on the list to start the year after signing a homegrown contract with Toronto FC on Feb. 25 through 2024 with options for 2025 and 2026. By all accounts, TFC weren't expecting Thompson to break through to the first team this early, but he was rewarded with the contract after a stellar preseason.

“Kosi is a smart, versatile player. He’s a great kid with all-around good qualities,” said Bob Bradley at the time of the signing. “He impressed everyone in preseason and earned his spot on the first team.”

Thompson had a strong season with Toronto FC II last year and is a versatile midfielder capable of playing on the wing or through the middle. He’s got the stature to compete among older players and is deceivingly quick. He likes to get forward with possession, he’s a good dribbler, and he reads the game well going forward.

In training camp, he was used mostly as a No. 10, replacing Alejandro Pozuelo with the second unit, which is why minutes may be hard to come by in his first MLS season. He’ll be competing with mainstay veterans Pozuelo, Jonathan Osorio, and others for minutes in the middle of the park, and barring injury, it’s unlikely we see Thompson used frequently in 2022. He may be a loan candidate to get some minutes under his belt, but don’t be surprised if Bradley elects to keep him and have him develop alongside the first team.

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9. Jordan Perruzza | Striker | Age: 21

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Will 2022 be Perruzza’s breakthrough year? 

The homegrown striker had a really strong preseason, scoring a team-high three goals in five matches, however, he’s one of two healthy outfield players that has yet to feature for Toronto FC this season; the other is Kosi Thompson. And with Ayo Akinola nearing a return, minutes may be even tougher to come by for the talented goal scorer. 

The 21-year-old signed a new multiyear deal with the club this offseason after appearing in five MLS matches for the club in 2021, scoring once. Although Toronto FC clearly believes in his ability, it remains to be seen whether or not they believe he is ready to take that next step forward this season.

When given an opportunity, Perruzza has excelled at every level he has played at so far. Prior to joining TFC’s first team, he spent two seasons with Toronto FC II, where he made 28 appearances with 17 goals and two assists. During the 2019 season, he led the club in goals scored with 15 and was second in goals scored in USL League One.

He played abroad in Italy in 2017 and 2018, and garnered interest from Italian clubs before ultimately electing to sign with the Reds in 2021. The potential is there, but will the opportunity be? Or will Perruzza be subject to a loan move for the third straight year?

“Jordan is a talented young striker who gained valuable experience with San Antonio FC and Toronto FC II last year,” said Bradley. “We hope he is ready to make a big step in 2022.”

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8. Deandre Kerr | Striker/Right Wing | Age: 19

Prior to the start of the year, Kerr was one of Toronto FC’s most intriguing prospects after the club signed the forward to a multi-year contract straight out of Syracuse University, where he had an excellent sophomore year. He followed that up with a strong preseason, earning the starting right-wing role despite not having played a single minute professionally.

But in his first game against FC Dallas, the 19-year-old struggled and was taken off at halftime.

“Deandre never really got into the game, wasn't enough of a threat,” said Bradley. "But look, it's (early in the) season, and we've got young guys and we're still working on the whole group. So I think it's important that in different moments, if we think we've got to make changes at half, guys are ready, and the guys that come out, it's never easy and it's part of the process of us growing as a team.”

While his first game didn’t go quite as planned, Kerr still possesses a lot to like moving forward. He’s pacey, doesn’t shy away from the physical side of the game, by all accounts very coachable, and he has knack for scoring goals.

Whether it’s in training sessions or an appearance off the bench, he’s going to have to earn his manager’s trust back after a poor start, but don’t be surprised if the Ajax, Ont., native finds a way.

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7. Luca Petrasso | Left Back/Midfielder | Age: 21

Had it not been for his performance on Saturday against the New York Red Bulls, Petrasso likely would’ve been a bit further down this list, however, he raised a few eyebrows following his first career MLS start.

“In the first half, he was really bright,” said Bradley. “That's what we've seen of him lately. I think he took the opportunity to start. A lot of our attack in the first half came down our left side through him. So a really positive day.”

The 21-year-old began the game as a left winger and showed his quality moving forward. He set up the lone goal against the Red Bulls thanks to a really impressive run through the midfield and likely earned more minutes moving forward.

Petrasso, who has been with the TFC Academy for years, finally earned a first-team deal with the club after a strong season with Toronto FC II in 2021. He’s proven to be a versatile asset, capable of playing as a fullback, in a back three, or as a midfielder like we saw on Saturday. 

With more help on the way, he’ll have to make his impression sooner rather than later if he’s going to get real minutes in 2022, however, he’s already off to a really strong start.

6. Noble Okello | Central Midfielder | Age 21

A towering midfielder, Okello has the stature — and the skill — to take him far. Now it’s about piecing it all together and taking that next step forward as a professional footballer.

Having been with the Toronto FC youth system since the age of 12, the six-foot-five Toronto native worked his way up the academy ranks, eventually making his first-team debut in 2019 against the Ottawa Fury in the second leg of the Canadian Championship semifinals. Although he dropped off the radar a bit in 2020 (large in part due to the global pandemic), Okello had his best year as a pro in 2021, amassing 854 MLS minutes with the Reds, registering one goal and one assist and sporting an impressive 87.2 completed passing percentage – the highest among TFC midfielders last season.

It was just a few years ago that Okello made noise in Germany with VfL Wolfsburg when he was invited to train with the Bundesliga club following the conclusion of the 2017 USL campaign. Okello impressed during his time overseas as a 17-year-old, so much so that his stint warranted three follow-up transfer bids from the German club. Toronto FC (obviously) did not accept the reported “six-figure offer” at the time, showing how much they believed in their young CM.

Now, what does 2022 hold for Okello? Well, it won’t be easy, as he’s currently fifth on the Toronto FC midfield depth chart behind Alejandro Pozuelo, Jonathan Osorio, Michael Bradley, and Ralph Priso. With that being said, Bob Bradley has already shown a willingness to play his young players, and he appears to be very high on Okello.

In my opinion, Okello is about two years away from realizing his true potential, but in order to get there, he’ll have to continue to take strides forward like he did in 2021. Expect another solid year out of the young player.

5. Jacob Shaffelburg | Left Back/Wing | Age: 22

This season will be a really interesting one for Shaffelburg, to say the least. He was probably the story of last season, scoring three goals and adding three assists in just under 1,000 minutes, lining up mostly as a left winger.

However, with the arrival of Lorenzo Insigne imminent, along with the departures of Richie Laryea, Auro Jr., Justin Morrow, and Kemar Lawrence, Shaffelburg is being asked to do something he’s never done in his young career: play left back. Not only is he playing left back for the first time in his career, he’s the team’s starting left back (for now). 

“I’ve never been much of a defender, so it’s been quite the change for me,” said Shaffelburg. “It’s always been something that’s been in the back of my head that there’s a chance I could move (to left back) especially with Insigne coming. The change has been harder some days more than others, but on the good days it’s fun, and all in all, I’m really enjoying it.”

Shaffelburg’s best asset has to be his relentless pace – something he believes will help him in the transition to fullback.

“I feel like I have the ability to get up and get back, the fitness to keep going, and just being relentless in getting forward and getting back to help out in defence as well,” he said.

Overall, 2021 was a successful year for the Nova Scotian, as he was named the 2021 Young Canadian Player of the Tournament at the Canadian Championship, plus his standout play caught the eye of men’s national team head coach John Herdman, earning him a call-up to the senior squad for Canada’s World Cup qualifiers this past October, where he made two brief appearances.

When asked about potentially catching the eye of Canada this upcoming year, it’s something the Nova Scotian says he’s always keeping in the back of his mind, and he believes the transition to fullback will help him moving forward.

“I think the left-back role has been helpful for me because John [Herdman] mentioned that he’s seen me more as a wing back for their team, so just learning more defensive responsibilities will be super helpful for me,” said Shaffelburg.

Toronto FC are likely to bring in more help at the left-back position this summer, so it’ll be interesting to see how Shaffelburg’s role will develop in 2022 with TFC. Will he remain a left back throughout the year? Or will he be deployed in different positions come the summer time?

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4. Jayden Nelson | Left Wing/Right Wing/CAM | Age: 19

Coming in at No. 4 could be the most skilled player on the Toronto FC roster.

Nelson has had a strong start to the year, starting the first two matches of the year for Bob Bradley’s side. He’s already played essentially as many minutes as he did in 2020, and he’s not too far behind his 2021 total of 247 minutes played. His first appearance against FC Dallas, on his more natural left wing, was better than Saturday’s when he lined up on the right side, but you can tell he’s taking strides forward.

“In both games, I think Jayden has shown energy, has had an ability in some moments to get away from people,” said Bradley. “Haven't yet gotten the final moments right in terms of whether he can shift down, make the right pass, whether he's going to be able to create a chance for himself. So some of those little things -- well, they're not little. The end of the plays, I think, are still where we've got to continue to push Jayden.”

Like many on the Toronto FC roster, last year didn’t go as planned for the young Canadian. He had high expectations for himself heading into the year, but ultimately ended up seeing more time with Toronto FC II in USL League One than he did with the first team. With a pair of coaching changes, last year’s dysfunctional group did not help the teenager’s development. Under Bradley, there appears to be a lot more synergy and a lot more clarity.

“He’s just asking for me to be more confident,” said Nelson on Bradley. “[He wants me] to take guys on, make those runs in behind and to be a threat in the final third, so that’s what he really wants from me and that’s what I’m going to give to him.”

Along with being a five-star dribbler, Nelson has speed to burn. What’s missing, as Bradley said, is that final product: knowing when to dribble and when to make the right pass.  Against the Red Bulls on Saturday, there were a couple of instances when Nelson beat a defender or two, but then tried to take on a third before losing the ball. Had he released and played in one of his teammates, the play would have developed a lot better.

With just 524 MLS minutes to his name, I have full faith that’ll come, which is why Nelson, who oozes with talent, is one of the most exciting prospects not only in league circles, but across Canada.

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3. Ayo Akinola | Striker | Age: 22

Number three on my list is Akinola. He’d likely be higher had it not been for his season-ending ACL injury last year, as he’s still recovering from the traumatic injury. 

However, that doesn’t appear to have been a concern for Toronto FC, who made Akinola their first-ever MLS Under-22 initiative signing this offseason, inking the 22-year-old to a new deal through 2024 with an option for 2025.

“We are thrilled as a club to have signed Ayo as part of the league’s new Under-22 initiative,” said Toronto FC President Bill Manning at the time. “Over the last few years, watching Ayo grow as a player and a person has been extremely gratifying to the many staff who have worked with him along our player pathway.  We have seen glimpses the last two seasons of just how impactful Ayo can be, and it’s exciting to think of what’s still to come for him as a TFC player.”

It wasn’t that long ago that Akinola looked to be the next big goal scorer in MLS. In 2020. At just 20 years of age, Akinola led the league in goals per 90, scoring nine goals in 11 starts. He followed that up with three in eight starts last season in what was ultimately an injury-plagued campaign.

This week, Akinola rejoined Toronto FC in full training, raising a few eyebrows given the timing. He looks to be ahead of schedule, which is great news for the youngster and the club. But he won’t just be walking into the team when he’s ready.

Ahead of him right now is new signing Jesús Jiménez, who looks to be the real deal. The Spaniard scored his first goal of the season in the loss to the New York Red Bulls — a beauty of a goal. There’s a possibility that Jiménez shifts out to right wing to make room for Akinola or the possibility of Bradley rolling out two strikers, however, one thing looks to be for certain: Akinola will have to earn his minutes this season.

Per a source, there’s also more attacking help on the way for TFC this summer, meaning Akinola will likely have to make his mark sooner rather than later, despite the new contract. Like many on this list, it’s a massive year for the Brampton, Ont., native.

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2. Ralph Priso | Central Midfielder | Age: 19

Aside from Akinola, Priso has enjoyed the most first-team success out of Toronto FC’s young players to date. The box-to-box midfielder was perhaps the club’s most impressive player last season before going down with a season-ending injury in August. Now, he has to fight for his place again with new manager Bradley at the helm.

That’s nothing new for Priso. As a young teenager, the Scarborough, Ont., native was actually cut from the Toronto FC academy on three separate occasions before finally persevering and making the squad at the age of 14. Even then, it was still an uphill battle, albeit one that Priso was determined to climb.

“I remember my mom went to a meeting and Greg Vanney said that only two out of 60 kids get to the first team,” said Priso. “And I told my mom: there’s no reason that can’t be me. I always had that mentality that I was going to make it. I just had to do whatever it took.”

And four years later, Priso found himself starting a CONCACAF Champions League match for his hometown club, growing into one of the country’s most exciting prospects.

I’d say Priso is currently fourth on Toronto FC’s midfield depth chart, behind veterans Pozuelo, Michael Bradley, and Osorio. However, by the end of the year, I wouldn’t be surprised if that changes as the 19-year-old has always been one to defy the odds.

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1. Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty | Right-Back/Right-Wing | Age: 17

Still widely regarded as the best North American player in his age group, Marshall-Rutty became Toronto FC’s youngest ever signing at 15 years of age when he put pen to paper on Jan. 22, 2020. Now, he’s primed for a breakout campaign.

Despite being the youngest player on the squad, the teenager is being deployed as the club’s starting right back following the departures of Auro Jr. and Richie Laryea. And although there will undoubtedly be growing pains as he adjusts to a new position, the talent he possesses is abundantly clear.

“Jahkeele has done really well as a young player on the right side,” said manager Bob Bradley. “He finds good ways to join in the attack. If he gets pressed, he can dribble by the man. He can dribble inside. He can make passes.”

His strongest asset remains his ability to read the game. He sees the field better than some veterans at times, doesn’t give up possession cheaply, and is already becoming the type of player that teammates want to find; you want the ball at his feet. He’s also an excellent dribbler, he’s pacey, and he’s still developing physically. 

“My message to Jahkeele is that I think he's going to be a really good player,” added Bradley. “I have complete confidence in him and that we're going to learn from little things that happen on days like (Saturday vs. the New York Red Bulls) and we're going to keep pushing him forward. But he's doing a lot of great things, and I want him to stay strong. Together we can keep pushing him.”

Club president Bill Manning has said in all of his years, he’s never seen a young player as talented as Marshall-Rutty, which is why the club has reportedly placed a $20 million asking price for the youngster’s services. In the summer, Marshall-Rutty trained with Liverpool, Arsenal, and Club Brugge — and all remain interested in the Brampton native.

"The biggest thing for me was to see other young players around the world around my age [who are] around the first team,” said Marshall-Rutty on training with European clubs this offseason. “Obviously those are my dreams to play at the highest level, so just to see where they're at & how far I need to get. Even the more veteran players, like the [Mo] Salah's, to see them—the way they train—was just amazing for me. I'm going to try and take that and bring it into the season and I'm fully focused for MLS 2022."

Needless to say, this year will be a massive year for Marshall-Rutty, and don't be surprised if he's pushing for a spot on the Canadian men’s national team roster in Qatar by the end of it.

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(All Photos via Getty Images)