Twellman Analyzes Mascherano’s Impact on Inter Miami

Taylor Twellman commented on Javier Mascherano’s bold nature, noting that he has always been the type to make significant decisions, even during his playing career.

“When you examine Javier Mascherano closely, it’s challenging for professionals in our field to separate his identity as a player from that of a manager,” Twellman remarked during an Apple TV conference call aimed at promoting the Conference Finals. “We lack substantial evidence to draw upon; however, a player-turned-coach generally retains their core identity.

“Javier Mascherano was destined to have the courage to make assertive choices. While one might argue that freedom is a different term, considering Suárez’s reputation and profile presents unique challenges. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to remember that Suárez was suspended following the Leagues Cup incident, meaning there were matches played without him. The contrast now lies in the fact that players like Mateo Silvetti, Baltasar Rodríguez, and Rodrigo De Paul have integrated themselves into the team significantly more than before.

Twellman believes that Inter Miami’s recent defensive clean sheets are indicative of better player integration, rather than merely the absence of Suárez, marking a stark contrast to earlier, less cohesive performances.

“One could always argue that starting Suárez was justified based on previous performances throughout the year,” Twellman added. “However, after the Nashville game, I’ve covered more Messi games than anyone, and I have never observed Miami and Messi together on the field displaying such defensive competence.

“Historically, they have never achieved a clean sheet in the playoffs, yet they have managed two consecutively. This is not merely coincidental. It coincides with Rodriguez being healthy, Silvetti’s successful integration, and Ríos Novo proving to be a more effective goalkeeper than Ustari, resulting in a better balance within the team than prior to the Leagues Cup final.

Twellman commended Mascherano for recognizing the team’s weaknesses and implementing critical adjustments that improved overall balance.

“I think he has done an exceptional job,” Twellman remarked. “He has genuinely captured my attention with his insightful evaluation of their performance in the Leagues Cup final, where Seattle outperformed them. But Seattle was impressive that day.

“He has identified their vulnerabilities. After conceding five goals to Chicago, he promptly removed Ustari and substituted in Ríos Novo. In Game 3 against Nashville, he instructed Busquets to adopt a three-at-the-back formation during possession, allowing more freedom for Rodrigo De Paul to advance. These subtle modifications have certainly garnered my attention.

Twellman was not surprised by the decision to bench Suárez, perceiving it as an essential part of the team’s progression. Furthermore, he revealed that New York City FC is preparing to encounter a distinctly different Inter Miami compared to their previous match this season due to these adjustments.

“I was not surprised at all that Javier Mascherano opted to sit Suárez,” Twellman stated. “I return to my earlier point: I have never seen Miami, with Messi on the field, perform this remarkably. This does not imply that the best players are on the field. Discussions with New York City personnel indicate they are bracing for a different Miami team than earlier in the year; they are a transformed squad.

Inter Miami is set to face New York City FC in the Western Conference final on November 29 at Chase Stadium in a single-elimination match.