Mbekezeli Mbokazi's Chicago Fire coach on the defender facing MLS Stars: For him to play against Lionel Messi, Heung-min Son will elevate his game

Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s prospect of facing world’s best footballer Lionel Messi is something which will enhance his career to the next level.

This is something his coach at Chicago Fire believes is going to happen for the 20-year-old as he arrived in USA earlier this week to start his career abroad.

Gregg Berhalter sees Mbokazi as a player with the pedigree to face not only Argentine’s best in Messi, who plays for Inter Miami in the MLS but also challenging Heung-min Son will see Mbokazi reach greater heights.

“He’s comfortable on the ball, dynamic in tackles,” Berhalter told Meninred 97 as he took time to breakdown Mbokazi’s qualities as a defender.

“Aggressive in the air even though he’s not the tallest. Able to cover the space behind him. For a 20-year-old, he’s got a lot of potential.

“I believe that when you’re playing against players like Messi, Son, and Bouanga, the quality we have in this league, it will prepare you for any league in the world.

“We have a very clear way we want to play, and defenders have a lot of the ball and are asked to do a lot of difficult things. I’m confident that’s going to help develop him and prepare him for the World Cup.”