Inter Miami youngster Israel Boatwright has detailed what aspects from Jordi Alba’s game the teenage defender is trying to learn.
The 19-year-old right-back signed his first professional contract at the start of the year with the Herons, with Boatwright currently a regular for Inter Miami II with the defender also training with the senior squad.
As a fullback, it’s no real surprise that Boatwright is trying to learn as much as possible from Alba, with the 35-year-old defender one of the best left-backs to ever play the game having won everything possible with FC Barcelona.
And Boatwright has now shared what he’s picking up from Alba in training and on matchday.
Boatwright admits trying to ‘mock’ Alba in Inter Miami training
Speaking to the Inter Miami Weekly Show, Boatwright admitted that he’s trying to mimic Alba as much as possible in training with the defender also admitting that he did the same with former captain DeAndre Yedlin.
With Alba one of the best to ever play at fullback, taking in everything and trying to parrot the Spanish defender could be beneficial for Boatwright, who at 19 still has a long way to go before hitting his potential.
Boatwright said when asked what he’s trying to learn from Alba on and off the pitch: “Especially with Jordi Alba and DeAndre Yedlin with them playing at the highest level, you just really try to mock their games in every single way.
“Even the little things in like in practice, on game days and their routines and how they can perform at the highest level, you just try to mock and mimic what they do.”
Alba should fully take Boatwright under his wing this season
A Dominican Republic youth international, there’s good reason why Boatwright is as highly rated as he is, with the teenager set for a big future having already impressed for Inter Miami II and his national team.
And for Alba, the veteran defender taking Boatwright under his wing this season could work wonders for the teenager and his development, which could hit new heights if the Inter Miami star moves forward with this idea.
Indeed, Inter Miami players have been gifted an exceptional opportunity to learn from the best, and in Alba, the defender would be wise to take on the likes of Boatwright and to teach the fullback everything he knows.