After a breakout 2015 season that saw Jonathan Osorio showered with plaudits by his coaches, teammates and the media, it was what he said last that indicated the Toronto native will only get better as he enters his fourth MLS season.
"I have to keep doing the things I've been doing,” he said on locker room cleanout day. “I’m a hard worker. I come in every day to get better and improve. “There are parts of my game I have to improve to take the next step."
The 23-year-old set career highs in minutes played and assists in 2015, becoming an important creative force for the Reds. In a midfield stocked with leaders in Michael Bradley and Benoit Cheyrou, Osorio sees himself as the next in line to take that leadership mantle.
“I provided more this year stats wise, maybe not in goals but with assists. I have to be more productive [scoring wise] and look to have bigger role on the team. I played my role this year and now I think I’m ready to take on more responsibility should the club let me have that.”
Playing alongside Sebastian Giovinco, the favourite for league MVP, clearly helped Osorio’s development.
“He had a big influence, not only on me, but everybody’s game,” said Osorio. “Towards the second half of the season [Gioivinco] started to trust in me more to combine with him to make plays.”
Osorio’s maturation was noticed by local reporters that cover the Reds.
“For me, this has been a breakout season for Osorio—he’s really established himself as one of the league’s best young, dynamic midfielders,” said Sportnet’s John Molinaro.
“There’s a greater level of maturity to his play. Whereas before he looked to do it on his own when he got himself into dangerous areas on the pitch, now he’s looking to work in combination with his teammates when he’s in those same areas. He’s upped his tactical IQ, and that’s made him a more dangerous and more well-rounded player.”
His play on the field has improved, but his role off the field has been just as important. From travelling with supporters to watch Toronto FC II in Vaughan to leading the celebrations with the fans in the south end following the playoff clinching win, Osorio served as the poster boy for soccer in this city.
“It was a record breaking season for us,” said Osorio, reflecting on the 2015 campaign. “[We] had the most wins in franchise history and our first playoff appearance. Looking back on the season it had its ups and and it had its downs. Overall I think this club took a step forward.”
The season ended with disappointment in Montreal, with the Reds letting the moment envelop them.
“This team did a good job making the playoffs, but overall we expect more of ourselves going forward,” Osorio concluded.
With the season he had in 2015, the club, fans and media expect another step forward for Osorio individually.
“I feel like I’m ready.” So do we, Oso. So do we.
