Scouting Report: Mark-Anthony Kaye

We spoke to Adam Palermo of Waking the Red to get an inside look at Mark-Anthony Kaye.

Photo Courtesy of Toronto FC

On Thursday, the New England Revolution added Mark-Anthony Kaye in a trade with Toronto FC that sent Latif Blessing and a 2023 international roster slot the other way.

We spoke to Adam Palermo of Waking the Red to get some insight regarding the 28-year-old midfielder.

---

The Blazing Musket (TBM): It seems like Toronto FC’s fans have mixed feelings about Mark-Anthony Kaye? Is that correct? If so, why?

Adam Palermo (AP): I think ‘mixed feelings’ is definitely fair. Most fans think he’s a standout guy and team player but his form since joining TFC has not been what many expected since giving up a lot in the trade to bring him home. For LAFC and Colorado, he seemed to be more of a box-to-box presence and was a regular with CanMNT but he has now become more of a midfield destroyer who has offered little with regard to chance creation or shots for himself.

TBM: What are Kaye’s strengths?

AP: Right now, Kaye’s strengths lie in his tackling and ability to break up plays. He has largely been deployed as the anchor in front of Toronto’s back four and is the midfielder tasked with doing the dirty work. He is good in the air and is a neat passer in the short and medium range.

TBM: What are the areas that Kaye can improve in?

AP: Kaye can improve with his progressive passing and ball-carrying though he has shown signs of being more of a ‘complete midfielder’ during his previous spells in MLS. He has somewhat struggled to play out of pressure this season and seems to give up the ball too easily in TFC’s half.

TBM: What system/formation is Kaye best fit to play?

AP: I think Kaye is capable of playing in a double pivot or as the base of a three-man midfield. He looked like more of a #8 earlier in his career but has played as a 6 under Bob Bradley. It will be interesting to see how Bruce Arena chooses to utilize him in New England.

TBM: Are you happy with the Blessing-Kaye trade?

AP: I’m happy with it from a cash cash-savingsaving perspective as it will allow TFC to have some more wiggle room with their budget. I’m not sure if this is one of the first steps in what could be a massive rebuild in Toronto, or just a trade that allows TFC to spend more for an attacking midfielder or striker. Like Kaye, Latif Blessing seems like a player that is in need of a fresh start, and I think he might be able to offer more going forward for a club that has struggled mightily to find goals this season.

TBM: Is there anything else we should know about Kaye?

AP: He was a CanMNT regular for years, but has fallen down the pecking order for national team Head Coach John Herdman since 2022 World Cup qualifying. Younger players like Moise Bombito (who was drafted by Colorado with what would have been Toronto’s draft pick), and Victor Loturi of Ross County have overtaken the 28-year-old in the midfield department for Canada.

Thank you to Adam Palermo of Waking the Red for taking the time to answer our questions.