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Unpacking Inter Miami's Unexpected Stumbles
The MLS landscape is rarely dull, but this season has thrown up its fair share of head-scratchers and potential game-changers. From Inter Miami's unexpected struggles despite a star-studded roster to the puzzling decline of the Philadelphia Union, and a bold prediction that the MLS Cup winner might not even be fully assembled yet, Apple TV analyst Taylor Twellman pulls no punches in this exclusive interview.
Key Points from Twellman's Breakdown
- Inter Miami's attack is 'predictable,' with Lionel Messi at the 'nine' being the proven, unplayable solution.
- The departure of Jordi Alba's influential presence has been significantly underestimated for Inter Miami.
- The Philadelphia Union's winless start and reluctance to feature phenom Cavan Sullivan are puzzling.
- The MLS Cup champion could ultimately be determined by a blockbuster post-World Cup transfer, like a Robert Lewandowski-level signing.
Despite boasting an embarrassment of riches, Inter Miami's attack has looked surprisingly toothless, a sentiment echoed by Taylor Twellman. The team, fresh off a major offseason, has failed to replicate the explosive form seen in last year's playoffs.
"They look unsure of themselves going forward... surprisingly, they look very, very, for lack of a better word, predictable," Twellman observed. New signing Berterame has had a slow start, struggling to find his rhythm.
The Messi 'False Nine' Solution
Twellman points directly to a tactical shift that proved devastatingly effective last season: utilizing Lionel Messi as a 'nine' (false nine). This allowed Messi to float centrally, confusing defenders and creating space for rapid attackers like Tadeo Allende.
"They were unplayable in the playoffs when Messi was the nine. I just think it's weird that they haven't done it," he stated, suggesting Berterame could excel on the wing, not burdened by playing with his back to goal. The overlooked impact of Jordi Alba's absence at left-back, a crucial outlet and bailout option, is also highlighted as a significant factor in Miami's current predicaments.
Eastern Conference: Surprises and Stumbles
While Inter Miami grapples with their identity, the Eastern Conference has seen its share of unexpected risers and perplexing falls. NYCFC and Nashville SC are drawing praise for their early season form.
"NYCFC being good, that doesn't surprise me," Twellman said, crediting manager Pascal Jansen's understanding of his squad. He also predicted Nashville's success after key acquisitions like Cristian Espinoza, placing them as a top-three contender in the East.
Philadelphia's Puzzling Plight
The real shockers, according to Twellman, are Cincinnati and, more acutely, the Philadelphia Union. The Union, typically a consistent force, are winless through five games, a stark contrast to their Supporters' Shield-winning past.
"I struggle with Philadelphia's ethos," Twellman admitted. "I have zero problems selling and moving on players... but if you don't have replacements for a team that won the Supporters' Shield, that's a hard one for me to wrap my head around."
The Cavan Sullivan Conundrum
Amidst the Union's woes, the spotlight intensifies on teenage sensation Cavan Sullivan. Twellman is emphatic: "Yes!" to more minutes for Sullivan.
While acknowledging Sullivan might not fit Bradley Carnell's current system, Twellman argues the young attacker offers a dynamic that could spark the struggling side. "You haven't won a league game yet... why not see it?" he challenged, suggesting Sullivan could be playing regularly for half the teams in MLS right now.
Western Conference: Consistency and Stubbornness
Out West, familiar titans like LAFC and Vancouver are holding strong, but a new challenger, San Diego FC, presents a fascinating case study in tactical rigidity.
San Diego's Double-Edged Sword
San Diego's commitment to playing out from the back, while entertaining, has led to costly errors. "You can't have a 3-1 lead on the road in the 52nd minute and not leave with that game," Twellman lamented, citing their CONCACAF Champions Cup exit to Toluca as another example of self-inflicted wounds.
He advocates for tactical flexibility, referencing Jürgen Klopp's Liverpool as a masterclass in purposeful direct play when needed. "Just because you play direct doesn't mean you play direct with no purpose," he explained.
LAFC's Solid Start, Son's Silent Spell
LAFC continues to look solid under their new manager, though Twellman notes a lack of significant tactical evolution despite calls for more possession-based play. Player David Martinez has been a standout, showing increased final product.
However, concerns linger about star forward Son, who hasn't been among the goals. While winning is paramount, Twellman admits, "you want Son to be involved." Attributing his quiet spell to a disjointed preseason and potential injuries, he expects Son to be pushing for more involvement, especially in a World Cup year.
Twellman's Jaw-Dropping MLS Cup Prediction
Looking ahead to the ultimate prize, Taylor Twellman delivered a truly unexpected MLS Cup prediction.
"It will be whoever wins the transfer window after the World Cup," Twellman declared. He believes the experience of the World Cup on home soil will expose global superstars to the true quality and excitement of MLS, sparking a new wave of high-profile transfers.
Imagine a Robert Lewandowski-level player landing in Chicago or a similar seismic move. This could fundamentally alter the league's competitive balance. "I don't think people fully grasp that it's actually a real thing here until they see it," he concluded, citing past comments from legends like Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, and Zlatan Ibrahimović who were all surprised by the league's caliber. The summer transfer window, post-tournament, is poised to reshape the entire MLS Cup narrative.
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