Two Cincinnati stars Inter Miami must stop to avoid stumbling in the playoffs

Inter Miami is back. That’s right, after the international break, the Herons started their engines once again to continue on this path and pursue the next phase of the MLS Cup against FC Cincinnati.

This game against the Orange and Blue is going to be tough but crucial. This encounter will end with many negative things for Inter Miami if they lose on Sunday. First of all, it could conclude in another early playoff elimination (if this happened, the Herons are obligated to win next week).

However, a defeat means that Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba (along with other possible players) could be seeing their last two weeks with the pink jersey. Javier Mascherano knows that Cincinnati is always a tough and tactical match-up.

Nevertheless, if Inter Miami can neutralize these two influential Orange and Blue players, the Herons will be one step closer to victory and winning the tactical battle.

Evander

The first player that every person who makes an analysis about FC Cincinnati should and must mention is the Brazilian superstar Evander. The 27-year-old footballer is the offensive brain of the Orange and Blue squad. He controls the rhythm of his team. Every offensive play starts with the ball in his feet.

Last time these two teams faced each other, Inter Miami had a good run neutralising Evander during the first half; however, once they lost track of him, Cincinnati started to play and create danger towards Inter Miami’s goal.

Evander’s production this season is outstanding. In 32 games played (he started in 31 of them), the offensive midfielder scored 18 goals and delivered 15 assists. To stop the offensive power of FC Cincinnati, the Herons must stop their Brazilian superstar.

If you stop Evander, you control the production of our next player.

Kévin Denkey

We’ve discussed the offensive brain; it would be relevant to talk about the person responsible for Cincinnati’s goals. Even though he isn’t the tallest one, Denkey is a physical monster that will test the Heron’s defender strength to the max.

His connection with Evander makes the other team change tactics to stop both of them. However, any attempt to stop him isn’t enough if you let him near the box. There’s a quality that only a few attackers have, and Denkey is one of those players who has the striker's instincts.

For example, Luis Suarez has that characteristic. This means that he can interpret plays in the rival's half, and if you leave him half a meter in the box, he will finish the play with a goal. This season, the 24-year-old striker scored 15 goals and provided two assists in 29 appearances, starting 26 times, according to the official MLS website.