TORONTO – He's been named to the Ligue 1 team of the year for three consecutive seasons and won a title in one of the most prestigious leagues in Europe. But Benoit Cheyrou's name often gets lost in the mix of marquee names when the new-look Toronto FC comes up in conversation.
If the Frenchman is being perfectly honest, though, he prefers it that way.
"I'm not looking for recognition from anyone," Cheyrou told MLSsoccer.com. "I came here to play soccer, to have fun on the pitch, to help Toronto FC improve on the field and to make the playoffs."
The 34-year-old was born in the western suburbs of Paris, and before opting to make the move across the pond, he spent his entire 15-year professional career plying his trade in France. He never represented his country at the senior level, but Cheyrou was a member of the French side that won the UEFA European U-19 Championship in 2000.
While the midfielder did have a variety of options in Europe, he felt that the time was right to come to North America. He knew it would be a challenge to adapt to the differences both on and off the pitch, but dealt with few surprises upon his arrival because of all the research he had done in advance.
“Toronto was a very good opportunity to come and write the best pages of history for the club," Cheyrou explained. “The team is very young when compared to some clubs in Europe. For me to build something is very important, and the project here is very interesting in that way.
“Before coming, I spoke with French players who came to MLS like Laurent Courtois, Thierry Henry and Peguy Luyindula, so they explained to me the differences I would find. The only real surprise for me was seeing journalists in the locker room right after the game," he laughed. "In France we don’t see that. It's still weird to me.”
Courtois – the former Chivas USA and LA Galaxy midfielder – was the common link between Toronto and Cheyrou.
Toronto FC head coach Greg Vanney spent three years playing in France with Bastia, and he worked as an assistant coach with Chivas USA when Courtois was at the club.
“We have mutual friends, and Laurent Courtois sent me a message saying that Benoit was interested in coming this way,” Vanney told media back in January.
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From there, the two discovered just how much they had in common, sharing a very similar tactical approach to the game.
"I spoke with him [Vanney] on the phone before coming here," Cheyrou recalled. "The way he wants his teams to play soccer is like me. He wants to have the ball, possession, and to control the game. It was important for me to have this connection."
That connection has been crucial for Toronto FC this season, with Cheyrou playing a big part in the Reds' success. He'll face another key test when Toronto FC host fierce rivals Montreal Impact on Saturday as part of Heineken Rivalry Week (4 pm ET, TSN/RDS2 - CAN; MLS LIVE - USA).
"Ben has been very important for us for a number of reasons," Vanney told the media after Toronto FC's 5-0 rout of Orlando City SC on Saturday afternoon. "He is just a very intelligent player and very smooth on the ball. He is a very good passer and a guy who looks to play forward and in between lines. He helps us control the tempo of the game."
In turn, the Frenchman does not regret his decision to trust Courtois either, as he is adjusting to life in Toronto just fine.
"I think it's a wonderful city with a lot of things to do," he said with a big smile on his face. "People here are very respectful, very nice, and I love this city. I feel good being here in this city and with this club."
