How can Junior Hoilett help the Whitecaps?

The Canadian International Junior Hoilett was signed to the Whitecaps on September 14 morning, officially announced by the Whitecaps social media accounts in the afternoon. And was signed to a contract through 2023, which means that Vancouver has to sign him back in the off-season without a option if they're desperate to sign him back after this season. As the Whitecaps signed him from free agency just before the roster freeze on September 15.

Experience

Junior Hoilett has great amount of experience, he is currently 33 years old so he can bring some needed experience with the youngness of Vancouver. As that is a pivotal part into a MLS championship run roster and that was something the Caps were arguably lacking, as their oldest player was Russell Teibert who hasn't played, or is now just there for leadership and not for key starting 11 minutes. And with 559 appearances made for club and country and has accumulated 500 appearances at the club level. He has scored 78 goals in his career so far, and if we think about it he's not too far away from that 100 goals tally and if he really really steps up for the Whitecaps and plays very good then I can see him breaking the 100 goals achievement at Vancouver. Hoilett isn't only a scorer, he's also a provider as his playmaking is superb nonetheless, as he has gotten 67 assists in club and country level. So his achievements and experience for this sport says by itself, with the goal contributions that he's gotten while playing 559 professional games, is unspeakable that he has a lot of experience and possibly bring some leadership for the Whitecaps, and if Hoilett can use his previous experiences and be a mentor for being a experienced player to some younger guys in the locker room, like someone that comes to mind right away is Ryan Raposo as they have similarities to each other. I believe that the Whitecaps sometimes need slightly more leadership, even though Gauld has been a great first year captain if Rusty isn't on the pitch, but more for the playoffs where he has played a lot of big games including the World Cup.

Versatility

The versatility of Junior Hoilett will be crucial for the Whitecaps as supporters say that he can suit in anywhere in the Vanni 3-1-4-2, or it might switch back to the potentially 4-3-2-1 then they can play Gauld along with Hoilett in the number 10 spots in the 4-3-2-1, while if they stick to Vanni's 3-1-4-2 which I think they should do, as Junior Hoilett can just adapt to any position with his experience, and he can be a wing-back and I think he'd performs good, but now I'm not sure about the ideal starting 11 right now with how good our depth is as can Hoilett play in a CM role or does Ryan Gauld have to drop back, but then is Gauld better as a striker? So it is these thoughts in my head thinking about the ideal starting 11 for Vanni, as it's these indecisive thoughts in my head that kinda makes me unsure about what's the starting 11 should Vanni produce, or should he just mix up the lineup a lot as the depth of Vancouver is incredible right now. But his versatility will help the Whitecaps, as if a injury happens you can play Hoilett every where other than center-back, obviously he can't play GK and possibly CDM but other than that he's very versatile and that will matter in Vanni's side.

Enthusiasm

I have already seen some wonderful signs for him being in Vancouver, as he shown so much enthusiasm in the interviews as Hoilett has stated multiple times that he's excited to play for Vancouver. And I think that, that is crucial to a team's success if everyone is interested if everyone is happy and enthusiastic to play for their team and he worked hard and did his first full practice section on Monday, and looks to be a starter or be a substitution to go on his debut on Wednesday against Houston. This is what Junior Hoilett specific stated “I’m super excited to be here in Vancouver, where I shared many great memories at BC Place in front of amazing fans,” said Hoilett. “I can’t wait to make new memories and help this team achieve our goals for the remainder of the year.” And I believe this shows enthusiasm signs and it makes me think that Hoilett is looking forward to playing for this team in Vancouver, he also added that Tosaint Ricketts a retired player, but still helps the Whitecaps in some ways and one part of that is recruiting as this is a official saying by Junior Hoilett, “When Tos called me with the opportunity, I was locked in to come here. I’m just delighted to be here.” That is just another sign for me that Hoilett is super happy and excited to play for the Whitecaps which will be important, as we don't want someone who isn't too excited and gets mad or angry if they don't get gametime right away.

Summary

The summary is that Junior Hoilett can help this team in a variety of ways, and he will contribute to winning if the Caps support his style and they play well. His mix of experience, ability, versatility and enthusiasm seems like the perfect combination to a great player as those abilities are all so crucial to the game of soccer. With Hoilett being sensational and very talented, along with those attributes that is key to a player and a team I believe that this is a great acquisition, as even though it might take a while for Vanni to decide on Hoilett's role and that might reduce some minutes of some younger guys, but having the experience and the veteran that has loads of experience and leadership is crucial for a cup contender or even a team that makes the Conference Semifinals, so I believe that this is a great acquisition for the Whitecaps especially for a free transfer.