Player Ratings: Inter Miami Bounces Back from Champions Cup Disappointment With a Win Over the Red Bulls
Plus: 'Chelo' Weigandt makes MLS' Team of the Week
photo credit: Inter Miami CF
Inter Miami returned to winning ways at home, easily dispatching the New York Red Bulls in a clinical 4-1 victory.
After the massive letdown that was their mid-week Champions Cup exit, the Herons needed a good result.
The Boys in Pink did that and then some, rarely getting out of second gear against a lackluster Red Bulls side. Solid performances from Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Fafa Picault, and Yannick Bright spearheaded an all-around great display from the Javier Mascherano-led side.
As the team prepares to face Minnesota United this upcoming Saturday, a home win was crucial to keep pace with current Eastern Conference leaders — the Columbus Crew.
Here are Player Ratings from Miami’s win over the Red Bulls.
Goalkeeping
🧤 Oscar Ustari - 7.7: I really enjoy his playing style — more of a sweeper keeper than a traditional shot stopper. Having a goalkeeper who is comfortable coming off his line to cover ground that center backs can’t quite reach is a privilege.
Defense:
💨 Jordi Alba - 8: Did typical Alba things! Got down the left flank well, and his endless energy is still shocking considering his age.
🐥 Noah Allen - 8.1: I don’t think it’s too early to say that Allen is Miami’s best defender at the moment.
🧔♂️ Gonzalo Lujan - 7.9: Better! Think he’ll be a player that gradually grows into a top defender for Miami as time goes on.
🎻 Marcelo Weigandt -8.4: Hey! He gets a lot of criticism online, but you have to give him credit when he plays well!
Midfield:
🧉Tadeo Allende - 6.7: Woefully out of form. Yes, he started the year well, but maybe it’s time for a spell on the bench until he rediscovers what made him a starter in the first place.
🧮 Sergio Busquets - 8.3: Yeah..
🍝 Yannick Bright - 8: The starter in midfield going forward. His playing style fits what Mascherano needs through the middle of the field.
🦌 Fafa Picault - 8.6: Best display in an Inter Miami shirt so far. Got a goal and an assist.
Attack:
🔫 Luis Suárez - 7.5: Glad to see him on the scoresheet!
🐐 Lionel Messi - 8.4: Like Fafa, got a goal and was integral to a couple of the goals Miami scored - as per usual!
Substitutes:
💣 Telasco Segovia - 7.4: Came on, played well, and got an assist.
🦅 Maxi Falcon - 6.9: Did well defensively, though the Red Bulls didn’t have much of an attacking threat
💪 Benjamin Cremaschi - 7.2: It’s clear he’s improved over the offseason. Looks much more comfortable on the ball, he’s gotten better with his long passing - interested in seeing how he continues to grow as the season continues.
🐞 Federico Redondo - 6.7: Had a couple of good interceptions, but nothing that stood out.
🙏 Allen Obando - N/A: Would like to see him start a few games now that Champions Cup is over.
Coaching:
🔢 Javier Mascherano - 8: Better game plan from the ex-Liverpool man. Great to see him start a winger on the flanks rather than one midfielder and a wide player. Mascherano is still a young manager and growing pains will be there (see: Champions Cup), but he covered himself in glory with Saturday’s win.
Thoughts on the match? Let me know in the comments.
Big Ustari fan. His style is great, and much needed when defense is a bit off.
I’m glad they bounced back quickly. That’s what champions do. Great game!