Kochi: ‘Matches are played on the pitch, not on paper’. One will have to nod in affirmation if this cliche is spelt out by Kerala Blasters, for they have proven the maxim true in no uncertain terms in the first edition of the Indian Super League (ISL).
The Kochi-based franchise may be devoid of big names like Nicolas Anelka or Roberto Carlos, but the management is least bothered about it. If they could make it to the final of ISL’s inaugural edition after brushing aside teams which boasted former world-class stars such as Alessandro Del Piero, Robert Pires and Fredrik Ljungberg, the team management believes that the Blasters are capable of surpassing last year’s exploits with the help of lesser-known but immensely talented new recruits.
Such claims cannot be derided, taking into account the performances of Iain Hume, Stephen Pearson and Sandesh Jhingan who had changed the course of matches with their individual brilliance in the 2014 ISL.
Palpably, expectations are riding high this year as the Blasters have managed to bring together a compact team with balance in all departments. Unlike last season, the team has opted for a mix of youth and experience to execute coach Peter Taylor’s strategies on the field. Taylor has a history of transforming less-fancied teams into giant killers, and the other franchises would be wary of his unorthodox game planning.
Marquee player and former Spain international Carlos Marchena has donned the national jersey in 69 matches. The former Valencia player, who has played over 400 La Liga matches besides appearing in two World Cups and a European Championship, is one of La Roja’s ‘golden generation’ of players, who lifted the World Cup in 2010.
Marchena, who can play as either centre-back or defensive midfielder effectively, will shield the team’s backline in the company of Englishmen Peter Ramage, Marcus Williams and Brazilian Bruno Perone. They will be joined by India internationals Sandesh Jhingan and Soumik Dey, East Bengal’s Gurwinder Singh and Rahul Bheke, and Air India’s Ramandeep Singh. Ramage and Perone, who have impressive records as central defenders, will hold the key to the team’s defensive solidity. Soumik or Williams will be positioned on the left side, while Jhingan has the technical prowess to play practically anywhere in defence. If this combination clicks, Marchena will be move away from defensive duties and showcase his skills as a central midfielder.
Portuguese star Joao Coimbra will be in charge of pulling the strings from the centre of the park. The team pins high hopes on Josue Prieto, a product of the Barcelona's youth academy, and on Queens Park Rangers product Antonio German to deliver the goods from midfield. The enterprising midfield also comprises Victor ‘Pulga’ Herrero, one of the few foreign recruits retained by the management, and Indian players Cavin Lobo, C.K. Vineeth, Shankar Sampingiraj, Mehtab Hussain, Peter Carvalho and Ishfaq Ahmed. Apart from German, Vineeth, Lobo and Ishfaq, all others play a more defensive role.
The Blasters have bolstered their attack by recruiting two prolific Englishmen, Chris Dagnall and Sanchez Watt. Dagnall, 29, who emerged the top scorer for League One side Leyton Orient in the 2014-15 season, has played over 400 matches for several clubs in England. Watt, 24, who rose through Arsenal’s academy, has represented England at Under-16, Under-17 and Under-19 levels.
Kerala striker Muhammed Rafi and promising youngster Manandeep Singh, who played for Delhi Dynamos in the last ISL, will complete the team’s forward line-up.
Having guarded the net for West Ham and Derby County for 14 years between 1998 and 2012, Stephen Bywater, 34, will be keen to showcase his acrobatic skills on Indian soil. Senior Indian keeper Sandeep Nandi and Mohan Bagan captain Shilton Paul will make the team combination more flexible with their presence, as the ISL rules stipulate a maximum six foreigners per team, besides five Indians.
Possible starting XI: Shilton Paul, Soumik, Marchena, Ramage, Jhingan, Vineeth, Coimbra, Lobo, German, Watt, Dagnall
stay tuned with us for the next post which is to be published on 4:00 today
stay tuned with us for the next post which is to be published on 4:00 today
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