Argentinian defender Nicolás Figal was one of six Inter Miami players who made their MLS debut this past weekend in the Club’s first-ever regular season match and it was a night to remember for him. The 25-year-old center back, who joined the Club in January 2020 from Argentinian first division side Club Atlético Independiente, is settling well into life in MLS and was a standout performer in the Club’s season opener against LAFC. Figal showcased all his class and versatility by being solid at the back and stepping into more advanced areas on the field several times throughout the match to distribute the ball to his teammates.
“I think Nico is a very talented center back and I feel very fortunate to have him in front of me. I know that his game is only going to continue to grow, develop and adapt to this league. So, what we saw in the first game may be a precursor or maybe a preview of what we can expect for this season,” said goalkeeper and Club captain Luis Robles. “He’s a very savvy center back, talented on the ball, physical, he reads the game well. We’re just very fortunate to have him on our team. He’s an asset to this team and he’s a very important piece as we look to succeed.”
Figal proved that he can be a leader in the backline with a number of key interceptions and well-timed tackles in Inter Miami’s MLS debut, while also catching viewers’ attention in the attacking end with his dribbling, passing and heading skills.
In the 19th minute, he dispossessed the LAFC attack, stepped into the midfield and delivered a precise long ball to Robbie Robinson in behind the defense, just as an example. The multifaceted defender also registered two shots in his MLS debut.
Despite a bright start to his first experience playing abroad from his native Argentina, Figal is focused on the team and the match coming up against D.C. United this Saturday more than receiving individual praise for his performances.
“Last Sunday I felt good. Physically I felt great. Truthfully, it was an overall good performance of the whole team in general,” stated Figal.
“[D.C. United] is an intense team with young players that will fight the whole game. It’s going to be a test for us in which we will have to give it all just like we did last game and we hope to get the first three points for the club,” he added.
