"His biggest attribute" - Pundit heaps praise on Inter Miami star, claims he does on-pitch things Lionel Messi cannot
Former Arsenal left-back Kieran Gibbs reckons Inter Miami midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi for his ability to join the attack and create space for Lionel Messi. Gibbs said that it's something even the Argentinian cannot do.
Cremaschi, 19, has scored twice in eight games across competitions for the Herons this season. Both his goals have come in six outings in MLS, where Tata Martino's side are atop the Eastern Conference after 14 games.
Widely regarded as one of the best young midfielders in the American top flight, Cremaschi has been tipped for a bright future. Waxing lyrical of the player, Gibbs said on the Inter Miami Weekly Show (via Inter Miami website):
“Him joining the frontman is his biggest attribute, I think. With the ground he covers, he has the ability and the physical capacity to support the frontman and break beyond the front four, which is so important when you don’t have a frontman who runs in behind a lot.
Gibbs noted how Cremaschi brings the likes of Lionel Messi into play by opening up spaces:
“He provides that for Miami, and he opens up a lot of space for the likes of Messi to come in and do what he does.
"He’s the one who can open up the space for the creative players, but he can also play, he’s got the ability to get in between pockets and get running at players. It’s been really good to have him back.”
After missing the first few games of the season due to sports hernia, Cremaschi has helped the Herons to an eight-game unbeaten league run.
Inter Miami's Lionel Messi off to record-breaking start to new MLS season
Lionel Messi has had a sparkling start to his first full season with Inter Miami in American football, having arrived at the club last summer on a free transfer after nearly two decades in Europe.
Despite missing a few games due to injury, the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner has 12 goals and 11 assists in 12 games across competitions. Most of those goal contributions - 10 goals and nine assists in nine games - have come in the league.
The 36-year-old particularly dazzled in the 6-2 home win over New York FC earlier this month. He had a hand in all six goals, scoring once and setting up five. In the process, Messi became the first player in MLS history to register goal contributions in five successive games.
Moreover, five assists and six goal contributions in an MLS game are also feats nobody had achieved before.