Inter Miami boss Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino won’t want to make too many changes to his starting lineup after it worked wonders last time out against Atlanta United.
So far, so good for Inter Miami in the 2023 Leagues Cup. After a thrilling 2-1 victory over Liga MX side Cruz Azul where Lionel Messi saved the day with a last-minute free kick. Messi went on to dominate against MLS opposition in Atlanta United in their second and final group stage match, winning 4-0 on the day as the 36-year-old claimed two goals and one assist. Fellow forward Robert Taylor impressed as well, notching two goals and one assist.
Although Atlanta were pretty ordinary in that game. having have been mediocre for most of the 2023 season, they are still a respectable side that boasts plenty of firepower up front – and Martino’s squad kept them at bay for 90 minutes.
Here’s how the former Mexico boss may line his side up.
GK: Drake Callender – Definitely no changes in between the sticks. Callender has been immense in goal for the Leagues Cup – he’s also been underrated in MLS this season – and slowly but surely his performances are attracting more attention because of Messi’s arrival.
RB: DeAndre Yedlin – The United States international has been a steady hand that Martino can rely on so far in the competition. He’s a much needed player in the Miami squad, as he can play either full-back position and boasts plenty of experience.
CB: Serhiy Kryvstov – Perhaps another underrated player in the Miami squad, the 32-year-old has been a calm figure at the back and has played his part in helping the Herons concede just one goal in the Leagues Cup. With Christopher McVey suspended for picking up a red card against Atlanta, Kryvstov should get the nod.
CB: Kamal Miller – Miller is probably the more popular center-back as he’s a regular in the Canada national team defense, and he’s proved his worth so far.
LB: Noah Allen – Youngster Noah Allen has been thrust into the spotlight after Ian Fray suffered yet another long-term knee injury against Cruz Azul. White Martino would more than likely prefer to have the experienced Jordi Alba starting from the get-go, he’s only just begun training with Miami earlier this week, making that proposition highly unlikely.
DM: Sergio Busquets – So far, it seems that the Spanish midfielder hasn’t even reached second gear in Miami colors – and he’s looked fantastic. He showed off his exceptional passing range with a clever lofted through ball into Messi’s path that eventually resulted in the opening goal against Atlanta.
CM: Dixon Arroyo – Arroyo is certainly not a flash player, but one that helps his side tick in the middle of the park. Because of the arrival of Busquets, Arroyo has been able to help out more going forward for the Herons.
CM: Benjamin Cremaschi – The 18-year-old has improved as the season has gone on, and even picked up an assist last time out. Cremaschi loves to crash into the opponent’s box and looks set to feature yet again for Miami.
RW: Lionel Messi – There probably aren’t enough words to state how impactful Messi has been for the Miami squad. Not only has he made an immediate impact with his three goals and one assist in two appearances, he’s also raised the levels of his teammates tremendously in such a short amount of time. He’s shouldered the responsibility of leading Miami, allowing his teammates to put in better shifts and build up more confidence.
ST: Josef Martinez – The MLS veteran has had a slow start to life in Miami, but he’s starting to get back into form that saw him tear apart defenses during his Atlanta United days. Although he didn’t get on the scoresheet against Cruz Azul and Atlanta, he dropped deep into the midfield on several occasions to help link play and has already formed a solid partnership with Messi.
LW: Robert Taylor – The Finland international has announced himself to the world after playing alongside Messi, scoring three goals – two of which were spectacular – and contributing one assist in his last two games.
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