Offseason champs: 3 ways Toronto FC could line up in 2016

There has been a lot of movement in MLS this offseason, but no team has reinforced its roster quite as effectively as Toronto FC.

While the Seattle Sounders celebrate the signing of Jordan Morris and the Chicago Fire and Colorado Rapids attempt to rise from the bottom of their respective conferences, Toronto quietly added key starters in Drew Moor, Will Johnson, Clint Irwin, and Steven Beitashour.

But how will head coach Greg Vanney use those pieces? Here are three possible configurations for Toronto FC's star-studded team:

The 4-4-2 Diamond

This was Toronto FC's default formation last season, and the Reds' four new signings would simply slot in to replace Joe Bendik, Josh Williams, Ahmed Kantari, and Robbie Findley. This diamond midfield uses Michael Bradley at the top in an attacking role, with Jonathan Osorio and Johnson providing width and cutting in, and Cheyrou shoring up the defensive side of the core.

Strengths: The 4-4-2 diamond puts Toronto's best talent on the field and allows for fast-paced movement in close proximity among the team's nimble-footed midfielders and Sebastian Giovinco. It's also familiar and no one is played terribly out of position, except for, perhaps, Osorio.

Weaknesses: This is a tough formation for Osorio and Johnson because it relies heavily on the two playing as wide attackers but defending and tracking back as well. There are questions of Benoit Cheyrou's pace as a sole defensive midfielder, too.

The dynamic 4-3-3

The biggest change in a 4-3-3 is Giovinco's position, and, in this system, the "Atomic Ant" would start from out wide on the left and cut in, using his trickery and MVP-winning sense of rhythm to beat opposition fullbacks and crack a shot from in and around the edge of the box.

Strengths: There's ample defensive cover in midfield, with Cheyrou and Johnson playing in support of a free-roaming Bradley, and the inclusion of Herculez Gomez ahead of Osorio gives Toronto yet another dangerous point of attack.

Weaknesses: Gomez might not be capable of putting in a full season and this formation relies very heavily on the abilities of onrushing full-backs. Can Justin Morrow and Beitashour really be afforded ample time down the wing when Toronto FC conceded a league-worst 58 goals last season?

The flat 4-3-1-2

In this formation, both Osorio and Gomez are dropped in favor of a much more defensive Collen Warner, as Toronto FC relies on the influence of Jozy Altidore, Bradley, and Giovinco to counter-attack.

Strengths: It helps shore up Toronto's defensive problems, which never did seem to improve regardless of how Vanney lined up his back four. Three defensive-minded midfielders makes for another strong line for oppositions to try and break through.

Weaknesses: Aside from Cheyrou, Toronto doesn't have enough quality in the midfield to pick out the long passes needed to spring a counter or to exploit space with a long ball. It also leaves Toronto without much attacking support.

(Lineup photos courtesy of SOFIFA squad creator)