Inter Miami manager Tata Martino has shared his awe over Sergio Busquets’ performance against the Columbus Crew last night despite playing in a new role.
The 35-year-old midfielder was yesterday tasked with playing in central defense, with Inter Miami short on numbers at the back with Tomas Aviles unavailable through suspension, and Marcelo Weigandt out injured.
As a result, Busquets was tasked with playing as a third defender for most of the game, with Inter Miami also bringing Ian Fray back into the starting XI, where the youngster scored on his comeback fixture for the Herons.
And manager Martino has now given his verdict on Busquets’ performance for Inter Miami.
Busquets ‘organized absolutely everything’ in Inter Miami win vs Columbus Crew
Speaking to the press after last night’s 2-1 win, Martino was full of praise for Busquets in playing in a new role for Inter Miami, where the former FC Barcelona maestro impressed alongside Noah Allen and Sergii Kryvtsov.
With no game for ten days, Inter Miami are expected to have players back for their next MLS fixture against Nashville SC, where Busquets will be heading into the tie in top form after last night’s display against the Crew.
Martino said when asked about the decision to play Busquets in central defense: “The reality is that it was a difficult decision, but we knew if that if we had the right help we would be able to carry it out.
“He [Busquets] has plenty of capacity and intelligence, and whilst today he didn’t have as much time with the ball like he normally does in central midfield, he organized absolutely everything from the middle of the defense.”
Herons have to make sure they’re not reliant on Busquets in defense
Busquets proved last night that he can be an option at center-back for Inter Miami if needed, with the Herons having the options in midfield to replace the legendary Spanish superstar.
Yet as we have seen this season, Busquets’ best soccer has always come when playing centrally in midfield, and Inter Miami have to ensure that they can keep the veteran in this role at all times.
With Aviles set to return for Nashville, Busquets could be back in his favored holding midfield spot for the away trip to Tennessee, and Inter Miami could again secure a big win without Lionel Messi or Luis Suarez in their ranks.