Sergio Busquets has been one of Inter Miami’s most important players since joining last summer, yet the midfielder’s role has changed in an unusual way this season.
The emergence of Yannick Bright in central midfield has forced Tata Martino to have a rethink of how to use Busquets, who is regarded by many as one of the best to ever play the game and a force of nature when on top of his game.
However, at 35-years-old, dictating a midfield in MLS has proven to have its problems for Busquets, especially with Lionel Messi out injured and unable to provide the former Spanish international with an outlet to do what he does best.
Yet MLS expert Andrew Wiebe has shared how Busquets has evolved to suit Inter Miami’s new system.
Busquets has helped Inter Miami after adapting to center-back role
Speaking on MLS Wrap-Up, Wiebe noted how much better Busquets and Inter Miami look at the back during Saturday’s 2-0 win against FC Cincinnati, a team the Herons conceded six against earlier this summer.
With Busquets finding his feet in central defense, the Spanish soccer legend is becoming a real figure of reliability at the back for Inter Miami, who after Saturday’s result are now official in the MLS play-offs.
And Wiebe is impressed with what he’s seen from Busquets and Inter Miami, with the pundit saying: “Just four shots for Miami on this night, so were they fabulous or were they efficient?
“They were efficient, and if you want to win a Shield, you’ve got to be efficient, you have to take your chances, and credit to this Miami team. When Busquets started at the back for the first time, they shipped six goals the other way, this time around, it was a clean sheet.”
Busquets will be key for the Herons in winning MLS Cup
Busquets move to the back has been a surprise given just how good the 35-year-old still is in playing in central midfield and pulling the strings for Inter Miami.
Yet with Bright a star in the making and the Herons short on numbers in the center-back position, Busquets’ move further down the pitch and his performances since the switch have been impressive.
And heading into the post-season, Busquets will be key for Inter Miami in their quest to win MLS Cup, a title that the Florida franchise will be intent on winning at the end of this year.