How the Boca Juniors captain Mascherano wants would help Inter Miami | OneFootball

With the secondary transfer window around the corner -- and a special shorter one for Club World Cup teams already open -- many MLS teams are looking for players to reinforce their squad for the second part of the league. And once again, Inter Miami is making a lot of the news in the rumor mill.

A couple of weeks ago, reports suggested that Luka Modric would arrive at the club.

This time, Javier Mascherano wants to solve his biggest weakness, the defense. According to ESPN Insider, Diego Monroig, that involves bringing in Boca Juniors center back Marcos Rojo. And it's the second time the Herons have shown interest in the former Manchester United player after previously courting him during the 2023-24 winter transfer period.

Here are two reasons why Rojo could be a crucial acquisition for Inter Miami:

Defensive flaws

This season, Inter Miami are sitting in third place in the Eastern Conference in spite of their defense, not because of it.

In 16 games, the Herons conceded 27 goals, with many coming on basic defensive errors.

The only logical conclusion is that communication is either poor or non-existent. And that's one area where Rojo could change things immediately.

The 35-year-old soccer is captain of Boca Juniors, one of Argentina's biggest clubs. It's a job where a commanding voice is a requirement. And it's more of that kind of presence that Miami needs at the back end of the pitch, to balance the voices of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez up front.

A missingedge on the Herons

Lately, Inter Miami's defenders are becoming too passive, allowing opponents space in fear of being beaten 1-on-1. And Rojo could bring an in-your-face style to the back line that is needed.

He's a fierce, aggressive defender, tough in one-on-one situations. As an Argentine myself, I can say this: he's from the old Argentine school: player first, ball second.

In some ways, he would reflect his new manager if he played for Mascherano, with a passion for hard challenges and an understanding of when tactical fouls are required.

If he comes to Miami, it will take time to build relationships with the rest of his back line. But the attitude in defense would change immediately.