Three U-23 Designated Players That Could Replace Rodolfo Pizarro

Inter Miami could be moving some Designated Players – specifically Rodolfo Pizarro.

During Inter Miami‘s 1-1 draw against Orlando City Wednesday night, The Athletic reported that the club could be shopping one of their DPs and several other players:

🚨 | Some mid game news from The Athletic. Inter Miami are looking to move several players within the league or outside of it:https://t.co/UwXP3KcXpq pic.twitter.com/0846iJH1Yu

— Alex Windley (@aaw_1998) August 5, 2021

There have been rumors that Pizarro could be moved on, but, last night, The Athletic made it official.

This comes as no surprise. During his time in Miami, Pizarro has underperformed. It was only a matter of time before the club’s front office made a move.

With Miami being strapped for cash, getting a U-23 could give them up to three U-22 spots. Here are the criteria:

• The player must be under 23.
• Their contract must be expiring in 2022.
• They must be an attacking, creative player
• Market value under $9 million

With that stated, here are three players that they can replace him with:

1.) Vitinho (born in 1999)

There has been a slew of Brazilians coming to MLS recently.

Take Inter Miami’s Gregore for example. On the flip side, Atlanta United is looking to sign Sao Paulo native Luiz Araujo and the Seattle Sounders have reportedly been after a winger that plays for Grêmio.

Vitinho is another rising star that could be snatched up by another team shortly.

The 22-year old has great speed, one v. one ability, and excellent technical ability like most Brazilians. He’s good at crossing the ball and not afraid to take long shots on goal.

He will shoot from pretty much anywhere.

He is the type of player that would give Neville a different dynamic than what he currently has. However, Vitinho looks to be much more of a winger/center forward than a creative number 10. There is no doubt the Brazilian can play centrally, but he looks much more comfortable on the wing. That shouldn’t deter Inter Miami from taking a look at him, though.

Transfermarkt lists his market value at $3.85 million.

https://youtu.be/i1CQS44W8qk

2.) Ivan Ilic (born in 2001)

As Neville begins to shift a 4-3-3, perhaps he’ll be less reliant on a pure 10, and more of a central midfielder/10 hybrid. Ivan Ilic would be the ideal player to slot in that role.

The Serbian international is the typical box-to-box central midfielder. He’s a good tackler, he’s got good feet in tight defensive situations and he can read the game very well. Ilic has a solid left foot and would be complementary to a player like Gregore.

He’s not afraid to take on defenders and venture into the 18-yard box looking to make something happen.

On the downside, he isn’t a pure creator, though he has the ability to set up his teammates.  He is a proper central midfielder who has a good work rate.

He’s a scrappy player that Neville would love.

Transfermarkt lists his market value at $8.80 million.

https://youtu.be/AGlBG6nup_o

3.) Robert Navarro (born in 2002)

Lastly, we have Robert Navarro. Probably the most creative player on this list.

The 19-year-old has got great touch and vision and enough speed to break away from his defenders.
Navarro has very good ball skills, good technique, and dribbling ability. He’s a very crafty player that can play on the right or left-wing.

He’s very adept at finding gaps in defenses where he uses his quick feet to either pass to a teammate or get a shot on goal.

If Inter Miami wants a proper 10 who can create and score, the 19-year-old would be a great choice.

He doesn’t hold on to the ball too long and has the passing range to hit Miami’s wide players like Morgan and Robinson. If they’re looking for a player to do what Federico Higuain does for the team, Navarro is the closest to it.

Transfer market lists his value at 3.30 million.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnEvT45PaY4

Inter Miami needs to move one of their Designated Players, and Rodolfo Pizarro is the most likely to leave. Any of these three choices that were listed would be good moves.

It’s up to Miami’s front office to do their homework to find the right fit.