12 November 2023 , 09:30
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David Beckham is quickly building a 'Dream Team' at Inter Miami, leaning on several Barcelona legends to build a side around Lionel Messi.
Messi arrived in Florida in the summer and quickly made a sizeable impact at the American side, lifting them off the bottom of their conference and into play-off contention. They also won the Leagues Cup in its inaugural season, the first trophy in the club's history.
The Argentine superstar was joined at Miami by fellow Barca icons Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, who left the Nou Camp at the end of last season. Former Liverpool star Luis Suarez is set to join them ahead of the 2024 campaign, with Beckham's dream line-up coming to fruition.
Goalkeeper Drake Callender played a key role in the Leagues Cup win, saving two penalties and scoring one in the shootout win over Nashville SC in tournament's final. His heroics mean that it's unlikely club owner Beckham will pursue a fresh face between the sticks.
Former Spain captain Alba is widely seen as one of the best left-backs of his generation, winning six La Liga title and the Champions League with Barca. He also played a key role in the final and is close with Messi, meaning he will be Miami's starting left-back.
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In the centre of defence Tomás Avilés and Kamal Miller look set to strike up a partnership next season. Avilés only arrived in the summer, but quickly became a regular starter, appearing in 11 MLS matches as the season ended.
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David Beckham's potential dream team for Inter MiamiMiller was one of Miami's stalwarts last season, regularly playing the full 90 minutes. He also brings international experience through his appearances for Canada. The first American in Beckham's dream line-up would be DeAndre Yedlin.
The former Spurs star was stripped of the captaincy when Messi arrived but remains popular at the club. Yedlin would start at right-back, though may face a challenge from Sergi Roberto, who would most likely line up in midfield.
Roberto will leave Barca at the end of the season, having scored their famous winner against PSG in 2017, and looks set to move to Miami. Alongside him could be the incredible partnership of Busquets and Rakitic.
Busquets needs no introduction following his stunning career at Barca and the ease with which he has approached life in the MLS. Rakitic meanwhile spent several years playing alongside Messi at Barca, winning a cabinet full of trophies.
The Croatian is edging towards an exit from Sevilla at the end of the season, with Messi pressuring Beckham to bring him to Miami. The Argentine World Cup winner would take his normal role on the right wing, from where he scored 11 goals for Miami last season.
On the opposite wing would be the second of the two Americans in this side in Robert Taylor. He will be relishing the chance to provide assists for Suarez who will leave Gremio for Miami at the end of the Brazilian side's season.
Beckham's dream line-up: Drake Callender; DeAndre Yedlin, Tomás Avilés, Kamal Miller, Jordi Alba; Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rakitic, Sergi Roberto; Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Robert Taylor