Inter Miami: Who could step up during Rodolfo Pizarro’s absence?
By Alex Windley
Rodolfo Pizarro is set to miss four games as here is who could step up in his place for Inter Miami
2020 hasn’t been too kind to Inter Miami. What started out as a season filled with hope and optimism quickly went downhill with numerous losses and a lack of true cohesion. Even worse, their star Designated Player Rodolfo Pizarro will be out at least four games due to International duties with Mexico.
The good news is, there are plenty of attacking options off Miami’s bench that can fill in during the Mexican’s absence. While they might not be ideal, these three players are more than capable of holding down the fort while Pizarro is gone.
1. Matias Pellegrini
The most natural fill in for the number 10 role is fellow DP, Matias Pellegrini. Although he has struggled for game time, there is a good chance during this four-game stretch that he’ll play a significant role in Miami’s offense.
So far in his Inter Miami career, Pellegrini has been used in a number of positions, he’s never really been able to settle into his preferred position of playing through the middle, so it’s highly likely he’ll be getting the start in the attacking midfield role. Against the New York Red Bulls on September 23rd, Pellegrini started as the number 10.
During his 57 minutes on the pitch, he was able to create two chances and registered an assist that saw Miami score their only goal of the match. Unfortunately, compared to Pizarro, Pellegrini isn’t nearly as progressive as a passer as the Mexican, but his defensive attributes are key in Diego Alonso’s high pressing style.
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2. Lewis Morgan
Lewis Morgan has certainly been Inter Miami’s man of the moment. Coming off a two-goal performance against NYCFC, Morgan will surely be looking to cement himself as one of Miami’s main offensive threats.
Besides Rodolfo Pizarro, Morgan has shown that he’s Inter Miami’s other main attacking outlet, expect him to take an even bigger role now that Mexican is out for four games.
Morgan is especially adept at flying down the right-hand side, cutting inside with his “favored” left foot, and having a shot on goal, against NYCFC specifically, we saw his quality.
For Miami’s first goal, Morgan lingered around the 18-year-old, managed to keep himself onside, and finished off the buildup with a nice right-footed strike. It’s clear that Morgan will be forced to become Miami’s main creator during this period. It’ll be interesting to see how he does with the extra added pressure.
3. Gonzalo Higuain
With big money comes big responsibility. Although Gonzalo Higuain just arrived at Inter Miami, his contributions on the pitch will have to increase if the South Florida club wants to make the playoffs.
In his first two games for Miami, Higuain has had a total of 10 shots and an assist to his name. His price tag does warrant more output from him, but if the game against NYCFC was any indication, goals will surely start to come once the 32-year-old gets more comfortable in Diego Alonso’s system.
With the absence of Rodolfo Pizarro, Higuain’s attacking output will be under the spotlight given his less than ideal debut vs the Philadelphia Union. Higuain is a large, physical presence who is good on the ball. Inter Miami will need to take advantage of his skill set, which is dropping into midfield to help out with the link-up play and his quick feet, to get him into good goal scoring opportunities.
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If Miami wants to make the playoffs, they’ll have to trust their veterans alongside cleaning up mistakes at the back if they want to make the postseason. They have the talent, it’s up to the players to make it work.