Julian Gressel has shared his admiration for one Inter Miami youngster after his most recent performances for the Herons.
The Florida franchise have been on a good run of form since losing Lionel Messi to the Copa America, with Inter Miami winning their last three games and maintaining a good pace in their bid to win the MLS Supporters’ Shield.
Tata Martino has done will with his limited options, with fringe players also elevating their game to new levels in order to push Inter Miami across the finish line in the last three matches against the likes of the Philadelphia Union and Nashville SC.
And star midfielder Gressel has hailed one Inter Miami player for his form.
Ian Fray showered with praise after ‘special’ Inter Miami return
Speaking to the Miami Herald, Gressel highlighted how good Ian Fray has been since his return to action with Inter Miami, with the 21-year-old defender starting the last two games for the Herons.
The youngster had been out for a year after suffering a third ACL injury on Messi’s Inter Miami debut, and with Fray scoring in his two comeback fixtures, it’s say to say that the versatile defender has made a huge impact already.
Gressel said on Fray’s comeback performances: “I’m super happy for him, for him to go through what he’s gone through with the three serious injuries and come back like this now, and immediately integrated with two goals and playing really well, it’s something special.
“It gives me goosebumps right now thinking of what he’s gone through and seeing how much he worked. He’s a real example for a lot of people in this world that get knocked down a lot and they can draw energy from his energy. I certainly do.”
Fray’s story is arguably the best of the year in MLS
Soccer is one of the most romantic sports out there when it comes to storylines and ongoing narratives, and Fray’s story this year with Inter Miami has arguably been the best in all of MLS.
The 21-year-old came back from yet another major injury to return to the best club in the division and to establish himself as a star player, with Fray looking like an undroppable player of the Inter Miami XI already.
With the right-back spot now firmly Fray’s, there’s no telling how far the defender can go if he can remain fit this year, with the defender already on course to becoming an Inter Miami icon if he can keep up this form.