Ex-Premier League star names Sergio Busquets as key to Lionel Messi's MLS impact
Former Premier League stalwart Ashley Westwood believes Sergio Busquets has been crucial to Lionel Messi taking to life in MLS so quickly following his summer move.
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has already scored 11 goals in as many games for Inter Miami, while delivering silverware with the Leagues Cup. His introduction to the Herons line-up has seen the team's fortunes transformed, with his performances galvanising his colleagues.
One direct witness to the team's whirlwind rise to form is former Aston Villa and Burnley ace Westwood, who faced Messi and his team in August. The midfielder departed Turf Moor for a new chapter at Charlotte FC in January and came up against the resurgent Miami in the Leagues Cup.
The former Barcelona hero inspired Vice City to an impressive 4-0 victory in the quarter-finals of the comptetion en route to glory. During that match, Westwood was not just impressed with the legendary winger but also with midfielder maestro Busquets.
Giving his own assessment of Miami's resurgence, the ex-Premier League mainstay told Sky Sports: "The whole thing [Messi's] brought to the MLS has been incredible, I've played against some unbelievable players in the Premier League but even at his age he's still the greatest I've ever faced."
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He also offered some valuable insight into how former Camp Nou star Busquets has been pulling the strings for Vice City since signing in the summer. Westwood added: "Sergio Busquets in midfield as well, he just sees things that others don't. Without Busquets, I think Messi would find it a little bit harder but he's got Busquets in midfield to find him with every pass. To play against him was a real honour but he got the best of us so hopefully we'll do a job when he comes to us!"
Lionel Messi has been helped by Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets at Inter Miami (Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos/Getty Images)The 33-year-old is not the only opponent who has been left awestruck with the quality of Inter Miami's football since the summer. Having also added former Spain captain Jordi Alba to the mix alongside Messi and Busquets, ex-Italy colossus Giorgio Chiellini also was left impressed with the team during a recent clash.
With the Floridan franchise having inflicted a 3-1 loss on the veteran defender's LAFC team in California, he was also left convinced of the team's quality. The Juventus legend said: "This team [Miami] is the best, by far, that I've faced in MLS to be honest."
Inter Miami seem to be riding the crest of a wave of late and they are still unbeaten since Messi's debut on August 21. Since then, they have lifted a trophy and have made a late surge towards the final playoffs slot in the Eastern Conference with three wins and a draw.
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