Tata Martino has admitted that one Inter Miami player has had a tough season despite being a regular for the Herons.
The Florida franchise have been in sensational form in recent weeks, with Inter Miami currently on a nine-game unbeaten in MLS and sitting comfortably at the top of the Supporters’ Shield standings.
With Lionel Messi in record-breaking form and the likes of Jordi Alba now back from injury, Inter Miami are in as good a position as anyone in MLS to book their ticket for the post-season playoffs.
Yet manager Martino has admitted that one Inter Miami star has struggled this season.
Martino admits Drake Callender has had struggles this season
Speaking to the press, the Argentine coach detailed how Drake Callender has struggled at times this season, with the US international breaking into the spotlight last year after a string of top performances.
Whilst Callender has impressed in recent games, the Inter Miami star has been shaky at times, yet Martino was also quick to point out that the 26-year-old goalkeeper was key in Saturday’s win against DC United.
Martino said about Callender’s form: “Given that last year’s performances were so superlative, maybe this year it looks like he has had a very difficult time sustaining the performances we were used to.
“But this is a player and a goalkeeper who can save games on his own, like he did tonight [vs DC United]. It was similar to games last year, and today he put in good work and laid down the foundation for us to win late on.”
Callender is starting to look as good as he was last year for Inter Miami
Callender’s first few games this season were rusty, to say the least, yet the Inter Miami shot-stopper is now starting to look like his former self after back-to-back clean sheets in MLS.
The 26-year-old goalkeeper showed last season that he has the potential to be one of the best in the division when full of confidence and coming up clutch in big games for Inter Miami.
And against Orlando City SC and DC United, Callender is doing just that, with the USA international beginning to look the part yet again for the Herons.