Inter Miami Player Ratings: Matuidi, Gonzalez Pirez shine brightest against Nashville SC
Matuidi, Gonzalez Pirez, Vassilev stand out in dramatic 2-1 win vs. Nashville SC
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Inter Miami may have just played its best game of the season.
It might have taken a dramatic goal near the death for Inter Miami to beat Nashville SC, 2-1, on Sunday, but the performance put forth in the victory was about as good as any as the South Florida side has enjoyed this year. Almost every Heron had a solid to strong showing in the match at Drv Pnk Stadium, especially midfielder Blaise Matuidi, centerback Leandron Gonzalez Pirez, and substitute winger Indiana Vassilev.
Here are the Inter Miami Player Ratings following the Sunday triumph:
Nick Marsman (6.5) — Sturdy while again showing confidence and a good command of his 18-yard box.
Kelvin Leerdam (5.5) — Was not overly tested nor too involved, though he did have a good scoring chance in the first half that he pulled wide.
Leandro Gonzalez Pirez (8.5) — Dominant defensively and quality at initiating attacking sequences with his passing, including the back-heel that helped start the play that led to the late winner.
Nicolas Figal (7.5) — Partially to blame on the opener, but did not really step a foot wrong otherwise in another strong outing that included an impressively accurate range of passes.
Christian Makoun (7.5) — Sound with his defending while also looking more confident on the ball, especially when attempting to find Gonzalo Higuain up top.
Kieran Gibbs (5.5) — Like fellow wingback Leerdam, was serviceable but mostly quiet before being replaced.
Gregore (7) — Did plenty of dirty work to help win the midfield battle and completed 92.3 percent of his passes.
Blaise Matuidi (8.5) — Not only hit the equalizing assist that sparked the comeback, but also demonstrated the type of effort on both sides of the ball that has largely been missing from him this year. His lung-busting run late to help prevent a goal was worth its weight in gold.
Lewis Morgan (6) — Improved by a good margin when moved to the right wingback spot, but was mostly quiet and ineffective before then.
Gonzalo Higuain (6.5) — Clinical on the equalizer, willing to shoot throughout, and demonstrated a newfound willingness to hustle after scoring that should have fans cautiously optimistic.
Rodolfo Pizarro (6) — The most creative player in the first half. He moved the ball quickly and precisely before fading after halftime and being replaced.
Indiana Vassilev (7.5) — Injected energy and ideas into the attack immediately after coming on, and rose perfectly to nod home that pinpoint game-winner near the death.
Brek Shea (6) — Denied of the go-ahead goal by an impressive save, and was overall solid in his 36-minute stint.
Federico Higuain (6.5) — His sublime cross from a deep area created the winner in his latest impactful showing off the bench.
Victor Ulloa (N/A) — Very few touches after entering in the waning moments.
Ryan Shawcross (N/A) — Cut off a pass to begin the attack that resulted in the winner in one of his few involvements as a late sub.
Phil Neville (8) — Pushed the right buttons yet again with his substitutions and his very tactical game plan largely negated Nashville SC from start to finish.