ISL 2017: FC Goa - a new squad is shaping up for the ISL challenge, with star power and stability

High Level football returned back on the floodlit turfs of Fatorda Stadium, Goa signaling a promising start to the new ISL and FC Goa. 

Much has been said about the franchise after a rather disappointing season it went through in the last edition and its ability to rebound back convincingly. A lot of work has gone into the team and if yesterday’s game versus Mohun Bagan is to go by then the signs look positive. Two first half goals in a near perfect first half settled it for FC Goa. A warm up game is always challenging to envisage how the season will pan out for but it did offer an intriguing insight.

A lot of changes have taken place in the playing squad starting with the Manager Sergio Lobera from Spain who comes with a good pedigree through his stints of Assistant Coach at Spanish Giants Barcelona and managing UD Palmas. The way he set his team to play was clearly evident from kick off. Eye pleasing pass and movements, their central defenders Bruno and Sana played every possible ball from the back instead of kick and rush with the show impressively orchestrated by Ahmed Jahouh playing as deep playmaker in a double 6 pivot with Edu dropping in the hole between the two center backs. It was possession football in full flow so much so that Mohun Bagan were left chasing shadows right up to conceding the first goal a Lanzarote goal via defensive mix up. The 2nd goal was even more satisfying with local lad Mandar Rao doing what he does best dropping his shoulder with a run on the left and squaring for an easy finish by Coro. All in All, it looks good for FC Goa.

FC Goa fans can expect a lot of possession based football, the defense appears solid along with the midfield to be highly technical with the likes of Lanzarote and Coro looing good on goal. There are a few areas that Lobera will look at for sure to improve his team. Pace on the wings, defending on set pieces& wings and more creative ingenuity of his frontline players in the final third area this team can work on.

As much as delightful possession football is to watch, the end result that matters are chances created, goals and wins. Top ISL sides are not going to allow that much space and time on the ball with rival managers adopting a higher press. This is where the priority for Lobera will be to move the ball quicker onto the wings and get guys like Mandar going. Jahouh will need to push higher up and link up with his front line. 

Key Players to watch this season 

Ahmed Jahouh – Already showed last night that he is the one who will drop deeper, set the tempo of his team’s play, build up play through short exchanges and provide a crucial link going forward. If he can contribute goals then FC Goa will be difficult to contain.

Brandon Fernandes – All eyes will be on him from a local and national perspective given the exposure he’s received. This is his stage to fulfill his potential. Started on the right of front 3 in the first half but when he swapped to the left, he began to get on the ball more, cutting inside laying the ball to lanzarote or shooting at goal. If he’s more confident and looks to be more aggressive ball then he can be a star. It’s very vital for him to make the right decisions when he has possession in dangerous areas.

Mandar Rao – Starting in place of the absentee Narayan Das, he was instructed to sit back a bit but whenever he did get forward, he showed what an asset he can be with an assist for the 2nd goal. Along with Jahouh, He is crucial to FC Goa’s offensive play and providing consistent ammunition to the likes of Coro and Lanzarote. 

Lanzarote – Comes with a good reputation as a scorer, showed some nice touches, smarts with off the ball runs and link up with Brandon & Coro. He will be heavily relied upon to provide the goals.
We will learn more as this side comes up against ISL competition in their first 4 games. The management has made a significant upgrade in technical ability through the players they have bought ensuring a lot of skill on the ball. As I have mentioned earlier, the pace is at which they move the ball upfront will be important and getting as many offensive contributions from their midfield to lessen the scoring burden on Lanzarote. Hopefully this season will be much better one than last.