FC Dallas: the players to watch out for

The player with the greatest reputation is undoubtedly former Real Madrid player Asier Illarramendi.

FC Dallas and Inter Miami face off this Monday afternoon at the Cotton Bowl in Texas, a stadium that has served as the home of the Dallas Cowboys and is now the home of the city’s soccer team.

The clash between the two MLS sides is the second test of Inter Miami’s pre-season following their goalless draw in El Salvador. As was the case there, it is expected that both Leo Messi and Luis Suárez will get minutes during the match. On the other side, FC Dallas return to action after their elimination from the MLS Playoffs in November last year.

Messi to play against Newell’s

After the match against the Texans Inter Miami will immediately head to Asia. The first stop will be Saudi Arabia to face Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr, followed by a match against a Hong Kong League All-Star, before heading to Japan to face Vissel Kobe. On his return to Fort Lauderdale, Messi will face a very special match against his boyhood club Newell’s Old Boys.

FC Dallas’ best players

Although FC Dallas is not a team with the biggest stars in world soccer, the squad is very balanced and competitive. Nico Estevez, coach of the Texan side, has a number of players he trusts in all areas of the pitch.

While the most recognisable figure outside the United States is Asier Illarramendi, players such as Ibeagha (centre-back) and Liam Fraser (centre-back) are well regarded in the States. Despite being a great team defensively, they also have Jesus Ferreira, a 23-year-old striker who is a regular for the US National Team. The young striker scored 12 goals in the last regular season.

One of the big names who will be absent this afternoon is Alan Velasco. The 21-year-old Argentine player suffered torn ligaments in his left knee less than three months ago and will be out for at least another four months. Days before the blow, Velasco was named MLS Young Player of the Year.