Inter Miami may have given up their first-round pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft but one side that didn’t were newcomers San Diego FC.
The new MLS side was given the first overall pick in the SuperDraft and selected the talented midfielder Manu Duah.
Ghanaian Duah, played one season for the Gauchos and helped them notch six clean sheets in 14 matches. He is known for his defensive midfield abilities.
Inter Miami selected midfielder Bailey Sparks and later David Beckham’s side picked up striker Michael Appiah.
Sparks unlike Duah is more of a creative midfielder, something that Inter Miami needed. You could argue with the recent exit of Diego Gomez that they also need a holding midfielder.
Speaking of defensive midfielders San Diego’s new acquisition Duah recently revealed one of his footballing idols – and it’s not Lionel Messi.
Duah big fan of Busquets
19-year-old Duah was hotly tipped to be picked early in the SuperDraft due to his comfortable ability to control the midfield, something that will be needed by his and new MLS side San Diego.
Duah’s style has been compared to Inter Miami’s own Sergio Busquets, which will be music to the ears of the Ghanaian who acknowledged Busquets as a major inspiration.
Speaking to the media after the draft Duah said: “He’s my favorite player. I admire his style of play, and I learn a lot by watching him.
“The main difference is that I’m more athletic than Busquets, but he’s incredible. I love how teams build through him, and I aspire to play a similar role for San Diego FC. I enjoy being part of teams that like to build through the number six.”
It’s usually Busquets’ teammate Lionel Messi who receives all of the praise. The Argentinian was recently hailed by Angel Di Maria as the ‘best thing’ to happen to his career.
Sadly Duah will have to wait a while before potentially meeting his idol Busquets on the field, the sides are not due to meet in the regular season.
Inter Miami need Gomez replacement
With Inter Miami selecting an attacking midfielder and a striker in the draft it still leaves them a little short of holding midfielders going into the new season.
Diego Gomez has joined Brighton and Hove Albion, he was the muscle in the midfield who would allow the likes of Messi and co to do their thing.
Sergio Busquets while having undoubted quality is now 36 and the gruelling travel schedule of the MLS means it is unlikely that he will be playing every game.
This means that Mascherano should be on the lookout for a solid-holding midfielder. Inter Miami News looked at a few players the Herons could target.
The first pre-season friendly gets underway against Mexican champions Club America on January 18. The club will need some reinforcements in time for this clash.