Heading into the 2024 season, Inter Miami needs the answers to several questions.
One, who are they going to bring in at center-back? Two, will they be planning the year with a potential Luis Suarez acquisition in mind? And finally, what formation should manager Tata Martino deploy his team in?
The last question is puzzling to solve. In 2023, Martino set up Miami in a variety of different formations: A 4-3-3, a 4-4-2, and sometimes a 5-3-2.
Arguably, Inter Miami had the most success playing the 4-3-3. The formation was Martino’s go-to lineup during the team’s Leagues Cup win in the summer.
But as next year approaches, Martino has shown that he’s not afraid to mix it up every once in a while tactically.
During Miami’s 1-0 loss away at Charlotte FC on October 21st, the Miami manager set up the team in a 4-3-3 with midfielder Diego Gomez on the left wing. This personnel change raised many eyebrows.
Not only did Gomez look uncomfortable, but he was ineffective in the final third during the first half.
The Herons ended the game with a loss, but for Martino, it was just another match to try out things tactically: “I’m satisfied with what we’ve done throughout the year. I always thought since the moment I took over the team that these six months were going to be to give it some shape, to get to know the players and for the Club to have an excellent 2024.”
Focus on one formation
Next year, it would be in Martino’s best interest to choose a formation and continue to work on it.
The best teams in MLS are consistent. Inter Miami, despite success during the summer, was largely inconsistent with its formations over the year.
Playing in a 4-3-3 is the most suitable formation for the team.
Not only does it give Lionel Messi the freedom to roam, and become a creative playmaker on the field, but it’s the most balanced lineup the Herons can play.
Miami has a surplus of central midfielders and attackers on the wings. A 4-3-3 is the ideal formation for the squad available.
Ultimately, whatever Martino decides to go with, Miami will need to improve if they want to win more silverware.