Inter Miami’s opening day match is set to kick off on February 21st.
The Herons will take on Western Conference side Real Salt Lake at home, at DRV PNK Stadium.
The season is highly anticipated, with many fans and pundits predicting Miami to challenge for MLS Cup. However, there are still a couple of issues on the team’s roster that must be addressed.
Miami still needs at least three reinforcements if they want to win more silverware.
According to club Sporting Director Chris Henderson, the organization will have all of its positions evaluated before the start of the new season.
“We’re evaluating every department in our front office and performance staff, to support [Tata Martino] and his staff and all the players to make sure we’re performing everywhere in the club,” Henderson said.
Predicating Inter Miami’s starting XI on opening day
Already, the men in pink have brought in the likes of striker Luis Suarez and are holding talks to acquire wing back Julian Gressel.
Though a deal for Gressel has yet to be reached, according to The Athletic, Miami is the front-runner.
Regardless of when the agreement goes through, Miami’s starting eleven on opening day will look different.
Miami manager Tata Martino already spoke in the past that he could shift the team into a 3-5-2, to give the attack extra defensive support.
Based on that template, it’s likely that Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez will start up top together. The duo knows each other well from their Barcelona days, and the chemistry is naturally there.
In midfield, Sergio Busquets will possibly be flanked Jean Mota and Gregore. Though there are rumors that the latter could leave the team, nothing concrete has been submitted.
On the wings, should the deal go through, Julian Gressel on the right and Jordi Alba on the left would make for a dangerous wing back pairing.
Finally, the defense will be tricky.
Miami only has five senior center backs on the squad, and one of them is yet to return from a long-term injury. If the Herons are set on playing a back three, adding at least two more defenders to pair alongside Tomas Aviles will be crucial.
With the MLS regular season inching closer, Miami’s roster build isn’t done yet. Fortunately, they’ll still have enough time to add quality and potentially a starter to this side.