Player Ratings From Inter Miami's Rotated Game vs. Al Nassr

+ A Transfer Roundup

Feb 01, 2024

photo credit: Inter Miami CF

February is upon us as Inter Miami’s pre-season tour continues.

It’s getting to the point on the tour where rest and rotation will be needed, so I’m not surprised Miami came out with a starting eleven without Messi.

Some reports suggested that the Argentine had a bit of hamstring discomfort and would be held out as a precaution. But he played anyway!

In hindsight, that was probably a good idea. Yes, we know Inter Miami needs defensive reinforcements, but like my good friend Caden DeLisa said, “You take away the four state-run teams and the SPL is not the same level.”

The disparity of talent between Al Nassr and Inter Miami is wide, mainly because of league mechanisms.

Marcelo Brozović started in the Champions League Final a year ago with Inter Milan. Otávio was brought to Al Nassr for 35 million pounds. That would smash the MLS transfer record had it happened in the States. Aymeric Laporte was a Manchester City squad player.

The gap in money spent between the two squads is large. Of course, Miami should play better (more on that in another article), but that point falls flat when a 19-year-old Noah Allen/David Ruiz, who makes $63,000 a year, is up against a Champions League-caliber player.

Result aside, I will say, that my biggest ‘shock’ (not really, I watched him with Gremio) is Luis Suárez. Even with his knee issues, the Uruguayan has played in every match so far for the Herons since his debut against El Salvador.

Anywho, my ranting aside, let’s take a look at player ratings from Inter Miami’s match vs. Al Nassr.

*I’ll rate every player on a scale of 1 to 10, with 5 being average.*

Goalkeeping, Defense:

🧤 Drake Callendar - 5: Made errors that led to goals. Was way off his line during the third goal. Not looking like his usual self.
🥨 Julian Gressel - 3: No one in defense covered themselves in glory, but he had a particularly shocking game.
🦌 Tomas Avilés - 4: At least he was hustling out there!?
🏋️ Serhiy Kryvtsov - 2: Just slow and out of position multiple times, including the first goal.
🐥 Noah Allen - 6: Had an okay game, was out there covering for his 32-year-old center-back partner who was always out of position.
💨 Jordi Alba - 6.5: Only attacking threat from the wings tonight.

Midfield:

🐺 Gregore - 6: Glad to see him get a full 90 under his belt.
🧮 Sergio Busquets - 6.5: Misplaced a few passes, but by this point, the game was already over.
💈 David Ruiz - 4: Poor game from the youngster, looked miles off the pace.

Attack:

🛎️ Leonardo Campana - 5: Had a couple of good looks, but looked awkward playing next to Suarez.
🔫 Luis Suárez - 6.4: Tried his best, had one good look on goal, plays a bit better next to Messi.
Substitutes:
🪽 Robert Taylor - 5: Didn’t do much to impact the game.
🏎️ DeAndre Yedlin - 6: Brought some much-needed speed to the back line.
🐐 Lionel Messi - N/A: Was nursing hamstring tightness, and didn’t really need to exacerbate that.
🦩 Lawson Sunderland - N/A: Just couldn’t find the rhythm.

A quick note on… Inter Miami’s outgoing transfers

Here’s a quick round-up of all the transfer rumors you might have missed.

Christopher McVey has been traded to DC United in exchange for $100,000 in GAM and an international roster spot. The Swedish-born defender has said his goodbyes to Inter Miami on Instagram.
Nicolas Stefanelli has left Inter Miami to sign with Hungarian club Fehérvár FC.
Inter Miami is in talks with Argentine midfielder Federico Redondo about a potential move to the States. (via Germán García Grova.) Though TYC Sports reported that Argentinos Juniors rejected the proposal, I have a hunch Miami will continue to pursue this Busquets re-gen, haha.

Agree? Disagree? Leave a comment below! Let’s discuss it!