Inter Miami is in for an exciting 2024.
After a disappointing end to 2023 where they failed to make the playoffs, the organization is laying the foundation to make sure that doesn’t happen again.
“We’re looking at everything to [improve the squad.] We have high hopes for 2024, and we want to show what we can do as a club,” Sporting Director Chris Henderson said in his end-of-year conference.
“Winning trophies and having high ambition is something we’ve had since day one,” he continued.
To add more silverware to its cabinet, Miami must revamp the roster. Throughout 2023, the Herons suffered from three big issues: fatigue, lack of defense in transition, and poor right-wing play.
To make the jump to potential MLS Cup contenders, the South Florida club will have to address these three positions to become successful.
What Inter Miami needs to become successful
Miami’s weakness on the wings was a major factor in their struggles in the latter half of the year.
Jordi Alba is capable of holding down the left side, but the former Barcelona man is getting older, and balance is needed on the right. To strengthen the other flank, adding an MLS-quality wing-back/full-back would be in Miami’s best interest.
One name that’s been floating around is German-American Julian Gressel. According to The Athletic, Miami is in pole position to land the defender.
Should this come to fruition, the Herons will have a player that can progress the ball comfortably, and provide defensive support for a free-roaming Messi.
The final two positions that Miami needs to refresh are in midfield and center back.
Inter Miami has a world-class defensive midfielder in Sergio Busquets holding down the spine of the team. However, much like Alba, Busquets will be getting older, and younger legs are needed around him to do the running.
The Herons have a myriad of home-grown, midfield talent that filled in the gaps next to the Spaniard in 2023. Benjamin Cremaschi, David Ruiz, and Lawson Sunderland contributed meaningful minutes last season. But, their youth and lack of experience could hinder Miami in its MLS Cup goals. To improve this, Inter Miami could go after a veteran central midfielder.
For the center back position, the South Florida club needs to bring in a more athletic defender to cover the flanks.
Although Kamal Miller and Sergiy Kryvtsov are solid defenders, their lack of speed does not fit well with Miami’s possession-heavy style of play.
Bringing in a defender who can distribute the ball well and cover the flanks athletically will provide Miami with the defensive cover they require.