Delhi Dynamos revamped line up: Onus on Robin and Adil upfront

A new look strike force shall see this young import from West Brom play a pivotal role

Building up to the clash against FC Goa, Delhi Dynamos head Coach Roberto Carlos was quick to clear off any doubts many had regarding their style of football. The Brazilian promised an attacking, free flowing brand of football with little emphasis on the defensive aspects of the game. Being a defender himself it is indeed surprising that the former Real Madrid star has opted for a style of play that could backfire especially in the away games.

But a closer look towards the squad Carlos has at his disposal, and it is not surprising that the former Champions League winner is focusing so highly on the attacking force he has at his disposal. It has been famously said that attack is the best form of defense, and with the options the capital based club have in their ranks, the task for Carlos and his staff now is to find a way to play to their strengths.

Last season, the squad failed miserably going forward and apart from Gustavo Dos Santos none of the attackers were able to perform on a consistent basis. While Morten Skoubo’s recurring injury issues saw him out of action for majority of the campaign, the likes of Mads Junker and Alessandro Del Piero could hardly light up the tournament as they would have wished for. The squad missed a potent goal scorer for the entire campaign which eventually was one of the key reasons why they failed to advance to the latter stages of the league.

As they gear up for tomorrow’s clash against Zico’s side, a team that has arguably the strongest defensive pairing in Lucio and Gregory Arnolin, the onus will be on Delhi’s front two to provide the spark that was very rarely seen a year back.

Local boy Singh shall forge an interesting partnership with Nabi upfront

The Dynamos are expected to start the game with Robin Singh and Adil Nabi, two players for whom personally this tournament holds great importance, albeit for different reasons.

Robin who despite being successful with Bengaluru FC over the last two seasons has been under a lot of scrutiny for his lack of goals. The National team forward has only managed a solitary goal in 18 appearances for India and despite his work rate, which is highly acclaimed by coach Stephen Constantine, the forward has lacked the finishing touch when going forward, which has been one of the reasons why India find themselves languishing far behind their rivals in the World Cup qualifiers.

Having completed full 90 minutes against Guam, Oman and Iran, Robin has failed to test the opposition goalkeeper even once and with questions being raised on his repetitive selection, the Indian Super League could offer the 25-year old a new lease of life.

With the National team set to play three World Cup qualifiers by the end of November, the ISL could provide the forward the platform to reclaim his lost form. The 6 feet tall striker’s aerial prowess are no secret and could well trouble the experienced Lucio and Arnolin. To Robin’s advantage, the way Delhi have set up their football this term is something that could see him benefit as the season progresses. "We have amazing wingers on the team in the likes of Vinicius and Len to name a few. We would play attacking football as a team and I will be giving me heart and soul for Delhi Dynamos to score or help my teammates score,” the former East Bengal forward said.

While doubts have been raised on Robin’s goal scoring, there is little doubt that his overall contribution to the teams he has represented has been immense. Playing as a supporting forward to Sunil Chhetri at Bengaluru FC, the Delhi born forward could see himself playing a similar role with Adil ahead of him.

Voted the young player of the year last season at West Bromwich Albion, young Nabi would have hardly expected to see himself play in India five months later. What looked like the breakthrough season for the 21-year old has been a bit of a nightmare with an injury hampering his development with the Premier League side.

Already amongst the goals in the pre-season, Nabi comes into the competition with a point to prove and with an opportunity to reclaim some much needed match fitness. His blistering pace and lethal finishing is something Delhi could use on a more consistent basis, especially after last season’s no-show in the attack.

One thing that could lead to Delhi’s advantage against Goa is that their defense might find it hard to cope with the pace of Gustavo and Adil. With Lucio already 37 and Arnolin 34, Nabi’s quick feet is a cause of worry for Zico’s back four.

While the limelight will be stolen by the Brazilian greats in the dugout at the Fatorda stadium tomorrow, it is the story of the two Delhi forwards that many will be keeping a close eye on.