MLS
Chelo Weigandt, solid start on Inter Miami debut
The right-back looked comfortable in his first game with the Herons. Tata Martino has a new idol among his ranks.
Inter Miami were held to a draw by New York City FC in the last game - the fourth MLS game without Messi. Miami’s Messi dependency has become more palpable than ever at the start of the year, but not everything was going to be bad news for the Herons. Tata Martino opted to hand new signing Chelo Weigandt his debut and the Argentine defender didn’t disappoint. Even though he couldn’t celebrate the moment with a win, Weigandt gave a more than notable performance, completing the full 90 minutes.
Low cost option
Weigandt is here to stay in Fort Lauderdale. The Argentine arrived with the team’s need to hire a guaranteed starter practically from the first minute and so far he has left a good impression. The former Boca Juniors full-back enjoyed a decent debut, wining 50% of the duels he was involved in and completing 50% in dribbles. His arrival will free up other players like Gressel, who will now be able to return to the midfield alongside Sergio Busquets.
The former Xeneize defender yet to get to play alongside Leo Messi, but last night he seemed to get along wonderfully with Luis Suárez. In the few centers he whipped in, he always looked for the Uruguayan. The next match against Monterrey, key in the aspirations of the Garzas in the Concachampions, will be the first litmus test for the Argentine. Although yes, the first staging with Messi on the field.
The Herons desperately needed to cover the right-back position after the departure of DeAndre Yedlin. The historic captain of the franchise abandoned ship heading to Cincinnati due to the need to balance the accounts. Weigandt was not the club’s first option (Giay was), but he was the one who best fit within the sports planning. Like Redondo, his signing was an open secret that was delayed due to visa paperwork.