Inter Miami 2023 MLS season preview: Tactics, predicted XI, predictions
By Chris Smith
Inter Miami took a big step forward in 2022 and will be looking to carry that momentum into the new campaign.
The Herons climbed to sixth in the Eastern Conference under Phil Neville, returning to the MLS Cup Playoffs after a year out in 2021.
Having strengthened in a number of key areas, Miami will be confident they can not only repeat the feat this time around, but perhaps go one better by finishing higher up in the East and winning a Playoffs game or two.
So, here's everything you need to know about Inter Miami ahead of the new MLS season, including tactics, key players, and predictions.
How did Inter Miami perform in 2022?
- Regular season: 6th in Eastern Conference
- MLS Cup Playoffs: First Round
- US Open Cup: Round-of-16
Inter Miami transfer activity
Transfers in
Player | Former Club | Fee |
|---|---|---|
Leonardo Campana | Wolves | $2.9m |
Nicolas Stefanelli | AIK | $800k |
Jake LaCava | St. Louis CITY SC | $150k |
Josef Martinez | Atlanta United | Free transfer |
Sergiy Kryvtsov | Shakhtar Donetsk | Free transfer |
Franco Negri | Godoy Cruz | Free transfer |
Cole Jensen | X. Musketeers | SuperDraft |
Transfers out
Player | Club Joined | Fee |
|---|---|---|
Damion Lowe | Philadelphia Union | $225k |
Alejandro Pozuelo | Konyaspor | Free transfer |
Emerson Rodriguez | Santos Laguna | Loan |
Gonzalo Higuain | - | Retired |
Blaise Matuidi | - | Retired |
Joevin Jones | - | Released |
Brek Shea | - | Released |
George Acosta | - | Released |
Indiana Vassilev | Aston Villa | End of loan |
Phil Neville: Tactics and style of play
It wasn't until midway through 2022 that Neville finally found his best formula with Inter Miami, with the addition of Alejandro Pozuelo unlocking Gonzalo Higuain and allowing the Herons to crush teams with their fluid 4-2-3-1 shape.
Unfortunately, both Pozuelo and Higuain are gone but in their place are the likes of Atlanta United legend Josef Martinez and the now-permanently signed Leonardo Campana. There's also the return of Rodolfo Pizarro to consider following his loan back in Mexico last year.
The make-up of this roster looks perfect for a 4-4-2 diamond - which Neville used last season at times - with two strikers playing off each other, Pizarro pulling the strings behind, and attacking full-backs, all protected by a solid central platform. Inter Miami could be real fun this year.
Inter Miami predicted XI (4-1-2-1-2): Callender; Yedlin, Kryvtsov, Sailor, Negri; Gregore; Duke, Mota; Pizarro; Martinez, Campana.
Who is Inter Miami's key player?
Leonardo Campana
Returning permanently following a very promising loan from Premier League side Wolves, Leonardo Campana will carry plenty of responsibility up-front for Inter Miami.
The Ecuador international had to be patient for his chances due to the form of Gonzalo Higuain, but still managed a healthy 12 goals in 28 appearances across all competitions.
Of course, Higuain is now retired, so Campana will have the opportunity to lead the line on a much more regular basis, with his goals set to dictate how Inter Miami's season pans out.
Campana will, of course, be helped by none other than Josef Martinez, who arrives following an incredible, iconic spell with Atlanta United.
Inter Miami 2023 season prediction
There's plenty of change in Fort Lauderdale with some of the big signings Inter Miami have made, alongside the likes of Higuain, Pozuelo, and Damion Lowe departing.
However, in the likes of Campana, Gregore, and DeAndre Yedlin, the Herons have a very strong core of quality players who can hang with the best in MLS. That's without mentioning Martinez who, though not as mobile as he once was, remains the most lethal finisher in the league.
As long as the new additions - and returning Pizarro - fit in quickly, there's no reason to suggest Inter Miami can't improve on a promising 2022 return.
Will Inter Miami qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs? Yes