Inter Miami's Sizzling Summer Schedule: The Latest on Designated Players, Coaching Search, and Future Signings | The Heron Outlet
With Lionel Messi's imminent arrival, he'll need some extra help on the pitch. Here's the latest on Miami's summer transfers and an update on their coaching search.
photo credit: FC Barcelona
Miami, FL - Lionel Messi won’t be the only high-profile player to bring his talents to South Florida.
The Heron Outlet reported Monday morning that a deal to bring 2010 World Cup-winning midfielder Sergio Busquets to the team is close to being finalized.
Though many have speculated the 34-year-old could arrive in the league as a GAM player (General Allocation Money), a source told THO that should/when Busquets join the club, he will be a Designated Player.
Despite his myriad of accolades and trophies, due to his age, there is some apprehension about signing the midfielder.
Busquets is soon to be 35, and MLS is a league where athleticism and physicality reign supreme over technical skill.
One scout for a MLS team recently told THO these concerns would be magnified in the league, calling Busquets a “statue” compared to the playing style of many of his counterparts.
Like Blaise Matuidi, another World Cup winner who played for Miami but faced a tough time on the field, there are worries that the physically demanding aspects of MLS may be overwhelming for the Spaniard.
However, thanks to Smarter Scouts’ advanced metrics, many of those worries can be placated:
Based on their statistics, Busquets would perform exceptionally well in MLS. His ball retention, defensive skills, and attacking contributions are all above average for the league’s standard.
Furthermore, according to FBREF’s underlying per 90 statistics - based on 2,718 minutes played, Busquets is still dominant in the air, solid in tackling and interceptions, and great in clearances:
His presence will be needed in the middle of the field, seeing as though Miami lost two of their key midfielders, Jean Mota and Gregore, to long-term injuries.
Busquets’ intelligence and composure should complement Messi well.
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