I-League 2017: TEAM TRACKER– East Bengal - Mighty midfield should not be overburdened

ONCE CONSIDERED a power house and it was tough to get full points from East Bengal FC. But since many seasons, EBFC have failed to live up to their history. The top division league trophy has been out of their reach for 14 years now.

From retaining players, getting back former players to even bringing back former coaches, East Bengal seemed to have tried every move in book but something has always been amiss. This season, we look into what preparations have gone in the run up to the new season.

After leading his team to their maiden I-League glory in his first season, Aizawl FC’s winning coach Khalid Jamil was immediately thrown an offer he could not refuse. With that in place, Jamil brought with him, a few key players from Aizawl FC, like any coach would do.

One of the complaints from many followers of East Bengal, last season, was that the team needed a strong keeper and Subhashish Roy was believed to be a better choice over Rehenesh TP. Coach Trevor Morgan was not of the same belief. Among goalkeepers, two of last seasons have been retained by the club; Dibyendu Sarkar and Luis Baretto. A new addition to the list of keepers is Mirshad Michu, a 23 year old lad. Out of the three Baretto, is the most experience and will be expected to be the first choice.

Arnab Mondal, with his immense experience, will guide the team from the back. He was not picked for too many games last season but Jamil will surely use his knowledge and association with the team since 2012 to add stability to the backline. Laram Chullova is one of Jamil’s take-away from Aizawl FC and certainly is a good pick. A great young acquisition is Salam Ranjan Singh from Bengaluru FC. An Indian with AFC Cup experience does much good to any team.  Eduardo has moved from cross-town rivals Mohun Bagan to East Bengal. Although he has a sturdy frame, Eduardo sometimes is susceptible to a being drawn into committing a lot of fouls.

If East Bengal FC can claim that they have a competent and title-winning squad, it will be because of the midfielders in the team. Two key figures here are Katsumi Yusa and Mahmoud Al Amnah. One, almost a legend at Mohun Bagan while he was at the club and the other, the mastermind of the Aizawl’s magical midfield from last season. Yusa, a versatile, genius and creative player who is swift in his movements and causes a lot a danger from set pieces. He is expected to be the target of man-marking.

Apart from these two, Jamil has Laldanmawia Ralte and Mohammed Rafique alongside Cavin Lobo and youngster Surabuddin Mollick to choose from in the midfield. In attack, EBFC have Charles, who played for Chennai City and scored four last season. The decision to have Willis Plaza back in the team after a poor show last season, has raised eyebrows. Three goals last season for Aizawl FC, Brandon will look to add more than that this season for East Bengal this season.

Two players that really did well in 2017 Calcutta Football League were Justin and Suhair. Much more will be expected from these two youngsters as Nikhil Poojary is out for a long period due to injury.

The opposition will have a long and hard look trying to find how to break this East Bengal’s sturdy midfield. But the strikers very well know the responsibility of goal scoring is also entrusted on them. Together with cleans sheets and a well-connecting mid and forward line, East Bengal can see themselves at a strong finish this season.