Luis Robles vividly recalls the first time he heard about Rodolfo Pizarro.
It was from then New York Red Bulls coach Jesse Marsch’s detailed scouting report ahead of the 2018 Concacaf Champions League semifinals against Chivas Guadalajara.
“At that time I remember Jesse just raving about him — this guy’s a game changer, he’s shifty, the way that he’s able to be involved in a game in so many different areas of the field because he just roams,” he told Taylor Twellman on ESPNFC. “That was the very first time his name popped onto my radar.”
Robles saw how Pizarro can impact a game, setting up the lone goal of that aggregate series and he’s now witnessing that first-hand as his Inter Miami CF teammate.
“I absolutely believe he’s going to be one of the best players in this league this season and for years to come,” Robles said. “We’re privileged to not only have him as a teammate on our team, but I think for his league to be able to showcase his ability.”
But Robles is quick to point out the Mexican international needs help if the expansion team is going to be successful.
“As we’re trying to figure out our identity, as we’re trying to figure out what sort of team we can be, we still need more pieces,” Robles said. “I think he’s going to be one of the, if not the most important player for us, but we still have to figure out how do we add pieces and continue to adapt to his abilities to really bring it forth.”
