Kieran Gibbs has named one Inter Miami player who has impressed the former Arsenal defender based on his overall form.
The Herons have been the best side in MLS this season, with Inter Miami sat top of the Supporters’ Shield standings having scored the most goals out of any team in the division this year.
Whilst there have been some issues at the back that will need plugging this summer, Inter Miami fans will be pleased with what they’ve seen from the Florida franchise this campaign, with Tata Martino’s side looking like a guaranteed bet to qualify for the playoffs.
And former fullback Gibbs has been left impressed with one player in particular this season.
Drake Callender praised for developing into a ‘top keeper’ at Inter Miami
Speaking on the Inter Miami Weekly Show, Gibbs showered goalkeeper Drake Callender with praise having impressed this season, with the 26-year-old shot-stopper proving to be a key player for the Herons between the sticks.
Gibbs said about Callender’s form: “What’s been so impressive with Drake is his belief, the belief in himself and he’s really turned himself into a top, top keeper. One of his biggest attributes is coming off of his line and making himself big, he is a big boy, but’s he also commanding as a presence.
“It’s all there for him, he’s really young, he’s enthusiastic about the game, he’s calm, he’s composed, I love his shot-stopping, and I love his ability to come off the line and collect crosses. For me, his shot-stopping has been one of his biggest attributes.
“It’s the variety of him as a goalkeeper, we had a couple of games where his distribution could have been better, but we said how much we love that he doesn’t let it phase him, he still tries to play the manager wants him to play. He’s considerate to his defenders, he’s very much ‘don’t worry, I’ve got it from here,’ which as a defender, when you have that as a goalkeeper, it’s so amazing to have.”
Callender is growing in confidence with each passing game
Callender showed last year that he has the potential to become one of the best goalkeepers in MLS, and this season has seen the USA international grow more and more into this bracket of quality.
Whilst there have been some shaky moments, namely at the start of the season, Callender is showing why is one of the best goalkeepers in MLS with a number of top performances against the league’s best sides.
And come the end of the season and the playoffs, Callender could be ready to play a starring role for Inter Miami in their bid to win MLS Cup, with the 26-year-old only getting better with every game.