Inter Miami’s playoff hopes depend on stopping New York City FC’s dynamic duo | OneFootball

Inter Miami is one day away from clinching an early spot in the MLS playoffs. However, the Herons won’t have an easy task, as they need to beat New York City FC at Citi Field.

Everyone knows how difficult it is for Inter Miami to win outside of Chase Stadium; the horrible performance against Charlotte FC is proof of that.

With a more mature Javier Mascherano, Las Garzas seemed to have found their ideal formation: a 4-4-2 with Jordi Alba as a winger and Noah Allen as left-back.

Despite founding the ideal formation, Inter Miami needs to stop these two NYC FC players to increase their chances of achieving victory and securing a spot in the playoffs.

Alonso Martínez

New York City FC v Charlotte FC | Vincent Carchietta/GettyImages

Alonso Martinez is New York City’s lethal striker. The Costa Rican has 17 goals in the current season, making him a threat for Falcon and Lujan. However, he is not only a goalscorer.

Martínez has the versatility of a modern striker. He can draw defenders to mark him and free up space for his teammates, or be the one who looks for space on the wings to link up with different players.

His playing style is similar to Tadeo Allende, adding the physicality that Luis Suarez has. His great performance in the season isn’t only because of his offensive power, but also because of his defensive duties.

Martínez has the authority to press high and tries to force the other team's center-backs to throw the ball away. With two defenders like Falcon and Lujan, who need the extra time with the ball, the Herons should use Busquets in the buildup to maintain possession when playing out from the back.

Before the Costa Rican received the ball, any defenders should be close to him, as he is the attacking reference of NYC FC.

Maxi Móralez

New York City FC v Atlanta United | Caean Couto/GettyImages

The offensive midfielder of New York City FC. Playing with a 4-2-3-1, Móralez is the link between defense and attack. When the ball goes through him, the Pigeons create the most danger. Without his usual physicality, Moralez changed into a more tactical player.

The 38-year-old player improved his vision and positioning to optimize his technical advantage. His assists are a result of that tactical improvement. His passes break lines and often leave his striker or wingers in front of the other team's goal.

Knowing his physical limitation, Moralez uses his intelligence to defend. You would often see him near the rival midfielder or close to the player who generates the plays for the other team.

If Inter Miami wants to cut any possible attack from the Pigeons, Busquets or Bright must neutralize the former Racing Club footballer.