It’s normal for Lionel Messi to be the centre of attention in any team he represents. And if the Argentine star is accompanied by other renowned figures such as Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, it is quite easy to understand why the rest of the players have problems standing out, at least in the media.
But that’s where a manager has to differentiate himself from an ordinary fan or member of the press. Gerardo Martinothe coach of the South Florida team, knows that, in order to achieve the club’s long-awaited first title in Major League Soccer, it is necessary to use each and every member of his squad, such as Matías Rojas.
The Paraguayan, who not long ago seemed to be lost in a Corinthians team with many problems, now finds himself shining unexpectedly in Miami.
After failing to make a name for himself in his brief spell in Brazilian football, Rojas arrived at the pink squad practically under the radar. But alongside Messi and Suárez, the player has become an essential piece in Martino’s tactical plan.
At Inter, Rojas seems to have found the ideal environment to reinvent himself and in 14 games he had already registered four goals, along with one assist. Those are truly impressive numbers, especially when you take into consideration that he joined Miami on a free transfer after cutting ties with Corinthians.
His ability to move well on the pitch, make long-range shots and accurate passes with an efficiency of 87% reflect a player who goes far beyond depth. Rojas has proven to be a footballer with talent, vision and even the ability to improvise.
When Messi and Suarez are unavailable, he has been able to step up and stick his chest out for the club, which makes it clear that the Inter board made the right decision in pulling the trigger on him.
Special talent
However, Rojas’ history with the Inter Miami It is not just about numbers, but also about how he has fitted into the team’s style of play and how his presence on the pitch has changed the dynamics of the team. The South American has the ability to take on defenders one-on-one, inside and outside the box, mixing up his movements and keeping his keepers in suspense.
The road to the championship will not be easy for Inter Miami, in an American league that has proven to be competitive and unpredictable as to who will take home the trophy. But with the rise of a player like Rojas, combined with the team’s usual stars, “Tata’s” men could finally have the advantage they were looking for.
Miami is currently leading the Eastern Conference of the MLS and the dreams of winning its first league title remain intact. With the prompt return of Messi, the well-known grit of Suárez and a Rojas at the top of his game, the dream is slowly starting to become a reality.
What is certain is that a player who had an uneventful time in Brazil, who arrived in Miami for free, is making a difference that no one, at least outside the bench, expected.
