FORT LAUDERDALE — Ahead of Wednesday’s U.S. Open Cup final, Tata Martino is facing an injury situation at Inter Miami. Lionel Messi’s availability for the match is uncertain due to fatigue, while Jordi Alba is doubtful. Although not having Messi could be a potential disaster against the Houston Dynamo, Alba’s absence might actually help in slowing down the Dynamo’s attack. Martino also mentioned the need to stop Dynamo midfielder Hector Herrera, whom he previously managed with the Mexico national team, but it’s not just about containing Herrera. The Herons also need to prevent free runners on the wings from being outlets for the Dynamo.
Alba is a valuable asset to Miami’s attack, but he primarily positions himself as a winger rather than a defender, which allows opposing players to slip in behind him. In the 386 minutes Alba has played for the Herons in the MLS, he has only completed 1.63 tackles and registered 0.23 interceptions per 90 minutes. This is understandable considering that Alba creates almost a chance per game from the wing, but his role is very different from that of 19-year-old Noah Allen, who may start in his place.
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In Allen, Facundo Farias, Benjamin Cremaschi, Tomas Aviles, and Diego Gomez, Miami has relied on young players throughout the season. However, replacing Alba in a final presents a significant challenge. Allen, who has played in 20 matches, doesn’t possess the same attacking prowess as Alba, but he has scored a goal this season and has been a valuable member of the defense. Allen is more of a stay-at-home left-back, averaging 2.52 tackles and 1.23 interceptions per 90 minutes, while delivering accurate passes similar to Alba. Although Allen may not provide the same quality crosses and line-splitting passes as the Spaniard in the Open Cup final, it might not be necessary.
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It’s important to remember that Allen is a highly-rated youth player who has represented the United States at the youth international level. He will be ready for this moment. As a true defender, his work rate can compensate for the slower center backs on Miami’s team and for Kamal Miller’s aggressive runs up the pitch.
Finals like this provide an opportunity for players to make a name for themselves, and Allen can rise to the occasion. Despite missing time with an MCL injury during the preseason, he is now healthy and can provide Martino with much-needed defensive cover against a dangerous Houston Dynamo side.
