Inter Miami boast some top-class goalkeepers but this could be causing a potential headache for Javier Mascherano.
The Herons went unbeaten during their pre-season thanks to a 92nd-minute equalizer from newcomer Fafa Picault in the team’s 2-2 draw against Orlando City in their final game.
Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez got some solid minutes under their belts ahead of the new season and Tadeo Allende shined with some important goals.
While many outfield stars have been given the chance to shine during pre-season, including Noah Allen who has impressed Herons fans, the goalkeeper situation looks clear.
Ustari appears to have the nod
Drake Callender has been the Inter Miami No.1 for some time now and only missed one game last season where he was replaced by Oscar Ustari.
Just a few weeks ago the Herons only had Callender registered as a goalkeeper for the new season but they have since reinforced their options.
Javier Mascherano brought back Ustari for another season after his contract expired and the Herons also signed former Atlanta United goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo.
While Callender was called up to the US national training under Mauricio Pochettino he suffered an injury, but despite returning to training some weeks back has still not tasted a minute of action on the field.
Ustari has played all of the team’s games bar the penalty win over Club America.
According to Inter Miami’s spokesperson, Callender’s absence is due to him now being 100% with the club not taking a risk on him. However, he was seen in training on Thursday joining in with training.
Inter Miami will need multiple options
Callender previously explained how he was his ‘own biggest competition’ and was not concerned by the potential competition for his starting spot.
Since these comments, Callender has not played a minute of football for the Herons and has played understudy to his previous No.2 of last season Ustari.
When a new manager arrives nobody’s spot is safe, Mascherano has potentially seen something in Argentine goalkeeper Ustari that he likes.
Luckily Inter Miami have a very busy schedule this season and is taking part in multiple competitions including the Club World Cup, so a couple of top-quality goalkeepers will be essential.
The MLS season gets underway in a week with Inter Miami hosting New York City FC, Callender will be desperate to show Mascherano this week that he once again deserves the No.1 spot for this season.