It might not have be marketed as a “bloody big deal”, but Toronto FC hope the additions of Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore are what finally see the club launch itself into the MLS playoff race.

Last season started off with so much hype and promise with a 2-1 victory in Seattle over the Sounders, courtesy of a Jermain Defoe brace. When he was fit, the Englishman was coolly clinical in front of goal. Unfortunately, Defoe’s time in MLS was short-lived, prompting his return to England and TFC’s latest foray into the transfer market.

If Giovinco and Altidore can link well and lead TFC into the playoffs for the first time in franchise history, no one will mind the inflated cost of bringing both players to Toronto. Goals win games, and while you can expect TFC to score more than they did last season, it is at the other end of the park where help was really needed.

Far too often last season, Toronto FC shot itself in the foot by conceding preventable goals. To remedy this, head coach Greg Vanney has brought in Damien Perquis to partner Steven Caldwell in the centre of defence, a move that is expected to tighten things up at the back for TFC.

In front of those two, look for Benoit Cheyrou to partner Michael Bradley, freeing the American international to drive from box to box in support of Giovinco and Altidore. Cheyrou’s distribution will be crucial for TFC, and his and Bradley’s experience will be vital to protect the back four from getting exposed, something that happened far too often in 2014.