photo credit: Inter Miami CF, Vissel Kobe
Inter Miami have finally ended their overseas tour with a 0-0 draw against Vissel Kobe.
To be frank, there was nothing particularly special or notable about the match. However, even if there weren’t too many standout portions of the clash, I’d like to direct one instance at Tata Martino’s choice in formation.
At the beginning of the tour, the Miami manager was set on playing a possession heavy 3-5-2. As the travel and lack of final third production went on, Martino subtly switched back to the 4-3-3, a formation that carried the Herons to the Leagues Cup title last summer.
Now, Miami could very well revert to the 3-5-2 under certain circumstances, but as of right now, it appears that the men in pink will stick with the 4-3-3.
I’ll dive deep on that later, but for now, here are the player ratings from Inter Miami’s draw against Vissel Kobe.
*I’ll rate every player on a scale of 1 to 10, with 5 being average.*
🧤 Drake Callender - 6: Had a couple of solid saves. Looked much better compared to the match against Al Nassr.
🏎️ DeAndre Yedlin - 7: Another good game from the USMNT full-back. Used his pace well in defending and was hustling the full 90 minutes.
🦌 Tomas Avilés - 6: Nothing spectacular from the 20-year-old. Kept a clean sheet.
🐥 Noah Allen - 7.2: Though he’s a natural full-back, it’s evident that the 19-year-old will be used as a central defender throughout the season. Had great stamina and hustle through the game as well.
💨 Jordi Alba - 6.5: Like Avilés, didn't do too much to change the game. Got back well on defense, and his work rate in attack is admirable.
💈 David Ruiz - 5.5: Not the best game from the teenager. Had a some loose touches that were turned over for counter attacking opportunities for the opponent.
🧮 Sergio Busquets - 6: Went off injured, but it’s clear when he’s not on the field, Miami missed his ball progression through the middle.
🐺 Gregore - 8: The old Gregore is back! Covered every blade of grass until the 90th minute. Most certainly a starter in a fully fit Miami midfield.
🥨 Julian Gressel - 7.3: Becoming increasingly comfortable in whatever role Tata puts him in. Once again, put in a good shift at right wing, and seamlessly transitioned to midfield once Messi was substituted on.
🔫 Luis Suárez - 5.5: Didn’t have much service throughout the game. When the ball did get to him, he was often pressed and man marked.
🪽 Robert Taylor - 5: Ghosted through the game, unfortunately. Not particularly his fault, though!
☀️ Yannick Bright - 6.5: Came on for Busquets and had some moments where he evaded pressure well. I see Miami signing him to a first team contract or signing him to Inter Miami II.
🐐 Lionel Messi - 7: Showed just how valuable he is to Miami’s attack. Immediately impacted the final third once subbed on. Unfortunate not to score.
🛎️ Leonardo Campana - N/A: Didn’t play long enough to make a real impact, but his pressing and hold up play was important.
⛵ Ryan Sailor - N/A: Like Campana, was subbed on later during the match. The defender had a couple of good stops and looks noticeably quicker when put in emergency situations.
Despite the media chatter about the pros and cons about this tour, I’d like to point out some heart-warming quotes about it from youngsters Shanyder Borgelin and Lawson Sunderland after the team’s match against the Hong Kong All-Stars.
“The tour has been a very unique experience. I have loved every minute, learned a lot, and the games were really good competition.”
“I definitely never thought I’d be part of something like this. It’s amazing to get the Inter Miami brand out to the world and see all the different cultures.”
Regardless of the online discussion surrounding Inter Miami, the mood from the players seems upbeat. Of course, they’re ready to get home and see their families, but for the group, it seemed like a lovely bonding experience which will most certainly help them with chemistry as the season goes on.
Just goes to show that perspective, especially in the media, isn’t binary.
Lastly, before I let you all go, midfielder Jean Mota is finally back in the US after acquiring his green card:
Agree? Disagree? Leave a comment below! Let’s discuss it!
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