Inter Miami was once again a protagonist in the MLS SuperDraft, a key event for clubs looking for young talent from U.S. college soccer. In this edition, the team led by Javier Mascherano selected five players, betting on squad depth and medium-term development.
One of the names that generated the most attention was that of defender Alex Barger, a left back trained at Indiana University, who arrives in a context where the club needs alternatives in that position after the departure of the experienced Jordi Alba. Without hasty comparisons, Barger is emerging as a young option that could grow within the club’s system.
Offensive contribution and ideal projection
Barger played 54 of a possible 61 games for his university, recording five goals and five assists, outstanding numbers for a defender.
Inter Miami selected him with the 60th pick in the draft, a position that reflects the club’s previous good performance.
In MLS, champion teams pick in the bottom spots.
The institution highlighted its role in the university’s achievements in 2023 and 2024.
He emphasized his regularity, tactical discipline and offensive contribution from the back, qualities that fit the style sought by the coaching staff.
The five selected by Inter Miami
In addition to Barger, Inter Miami added four other players:
Abdel Talabi (DEF) – Bryant University, selected 30th overall.
Kenan Hot (MED) – Duke University, ranked 32, with previous USL and MLS NEXT Pro experience.
Mamadi Jiana (DEL) – Bryant University, ranked 54th, one of the leading scorers in his conference.
Maximilian Kissel (DEL) – University of Vermont, ranked 90th, remembered for scoring the decisive goal in a college national championship.
These Inter Miami selections reflect a clear strategy:
Betting on young, adaptable talent with competitive experience, something fundamental in a league like MLS, where salary control and internal development are key.
Roster depth and medium-term development
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A current tool in the MLS
While the international market often grabs headlines, the MLS SuperDraft remains a real avenue for finding players who, with the right environment, can establish themselves in professional soccer.
For the U.S. Hispanic community, this process also shows how the university system continues to be a direct bridge to the U.S. soccer elite.
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