MLS legend Sacha Kljestan has suggested that one 26-year-old Inter Miami player could become their weak spot based on form this season.
The Herons have been the team to watch in MLS this year with Inter Miami sitting top of the Supporters’ Shield standings and looking like a sure bet to qualify for the playoffs, potentially finishing first in the Eastern Conference.
With Lionel Messi in electric form and the likes of Benjamin Cremaschi coming back from injury, things have never looked better for Inter Miami, with Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets also impressing under Tata Martino.
Yet one player is seemingly catching attention for all the wrong reasons.
Drake Callender criticized after Inter Miami mistake vs New England Revolution
Speaking on MLS Wrap-Up, Kljestan admitted that goalkeeper Drake Callender could soon be considered a weak point for Inter Miami if the 26-year-old doesn’t start to iron out the easy mistakes the shot-stopper has made this season.
Callender was slammed in pre-season during Inter Miami’s 6-0 loss against Al-Nassr, and the USA international was again shaky on Saturday against New England as the hosts scored within the first minute.
Kljestan said: “Just off today, Drake Callender comes out of his goal and it makes up the decision for Chancalay. We’ve seen some moments from Callender where he’s been really, really good, I think back to Leagues Cup last year where he was on fire.
“But this season, he’s made a few mistakes. I don’t think that makes him the Achilles heel of that team, I don’t think they have one just yet, but today, he showed himself coming off his line and basically gifting a goal to Chancalay.”
Callender knows he has to step up in the coming weeks
Callender was one of Inter Miami’s best players last year after the arrival of Messi, with the goalkeeper a key reason behind the Herons’ Leagues Cup victory.
Yet this season has seen Callender’s performances take a turn for the worst, with the USA international looking off the pace between the sticks and causing problems for Inter Miami on more than one occasion.
Whilst talk of replacing Callender might be drastic, the shot-stopper needs to improve in the coming weeks if he’s to keep his place in the team, with Inter Miami in no position to lose games due to their goalkeeper being sloppy.
