The high point of his career came at Euro 2021, when he was called up as part of the historic Finland squad that qualified for the tournament for the first time in its history.
Kieran Quailekquaile90Update: Aug 23rd, 2023 13:09 EDT
CHANDAN KHANNAAFP
Inter Miami has been boosted immensely in recent times by the signings of former Barcelona players Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.
Head coach Tata Martino spoke about the attacking threat in his team at a press conference after the victory against Charlotte FC.
“It’s very difficult for us not to score goals, because it’s not only Leo, but also Robert (Taylor), Josef (Martínez)… We have found different ways to score,” the former Mexico coach said.
Robert Taylor linking up with Messi
Robert Taylor managed to score just three goals in the 2022 MLS season, but in 2023, there has been a serious improvement in his game, and in the 2023 Leagues Cup, he netted a total of five goals. Taylor has six goals and seven assists in 30 games in all competitions for Miami this season. The 28-year-old has taken his game to a new level playing alongside Messi.
Taylor’s story
Taylor was born in Kuopio, Finland, in October 1994. He began his football education at JJK Jyvaskyla before going on to play for English sides Lincoln City, Nottingham Forest and Barnet at youth level.
After his spell in the UK, he played for Finland’s Rovaniemen Palloseura, Sweden’s AIK, and with Norwegian sides Tromso IL and SK Brann. The lack of opportunities in major leagues did, however, make him seriously consider quitting soccer.
Full screen
Robert Taylor celebrates after winning the 2023 Leagues Cup final against Nashville SC.MARK HUMPHREYEFE
Considered quitting the game
“I even called my parents on the way back to Finland saying I wanted to look at something else, other options,” Taylor revealed. And in the middle of nowhere, an opportunity arose. After 239 appearances and 54 goals in Scandinavia, Taylor emigrated to the United States to sign for Inter Miami.
From a very young age, he was seen as one of Finland’s finest talents. The high point of his career came at Euro 2021, when he was called up as part of the historic Finland squad that qualified for the tournament for the first time in its history.
The possibility of playing as a winger, a midfielder, and even as a centre-forward caught the attention of Phil Neville, the former Manchester United player who was the head coach of Inter Miami between 2021 and 2023.
