In Focus: Yedlin is leading Miami Inter the Messi era
Inter Miami skipper DeAndre Yedlin has matured into a leader.
He has been entrusted with the armband since club captain Gregore fractured his foot in the third game of the season — and has certainly stepped up to the plate.
The 29-year-old is among the club's most influential players, having also taken on a significant role at international level for the USA.
We shine a spotlight on Yedlin's recent displays as he prepares to link up with star signing Lionel Messi.
DeAndre Alves
Yedlin helps his side move up the field by making dangerous off-the-ball runs into areas where he can receive progressive doing so on 59 occasions so far this season.
Messi often drops deep to collect possession, so Yedlin's high positioning could see him profit from the Argentine's penetrative passing.
Dani Alves and Messi struck up a formidable partnership at Barcelona, with the pair combining for 48 goals. Yedlin will hope to emulate the Brazilian right-back's connection with his illustrious new team-mate.
Secure passing
While Yedlin is not an inverted full-back, his passing from the right flank is notably accurate.
His pass completion rate in MLS stands at 80.6% — an impressive total for a player in his position — and he has only been dispossessed once in 2023.
Messi can feel confident that Yedlin's distribution will find him more often than not in Miami.
Work ethic
Yedlin has also made a major impact for the USA, with team-mate Kellyn Acosta hailing the defender's dedication ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
He said: "I really admire [Yedlin's] work ethic. He's a leader and he leads by example.
"He's a guy that's worked extremely hard to get to this point. I think he is a testament to work ethic and I think it will be positive if guys can follow in his footsteps.
"He's super influential for our team and I know in Miami everyone can say the same."
Glue guy
USA boss Gregg Berhalter added to Acosta's glowing character reference by revealing Yedlin's importance in the dressing room ahead of last year's showpiece in Qatar.
He said: "[Yedlin is] a glue guy. He creates atmosphere for the team.
"Sometimes he's a shoulder to cry on or talk to, other times he's a motivator.
"Overall, he needs to keep doing what he's been doing because he's been doing a good job for us."
Leadership role
After the World Cup, Yedlin explained that he feels he has grown into a leadership role for his country.
He said: "I think just the fact that I was older and more experienced. I knew a little bit more of what to expect [at the World Cup].
"I definitely grew into a more leadership role, whether that be on or off the field. [team-mates] would come to me for advice, not necessarily soccer advice, but for conversations about life."
It is a role he reprises at club level — and Yedlin's dressing-room influence will be key to ensuring Messi hits the ground running with his new team-mates.
