East Bengal ended their otherwise ignominious league campaign on a good note as they inflicted a 4-0 defeat on minnows Mumbai FC. Goals from Bikash Jairu, Wedson Anselme and a brace from Willis Deon Plaza saw the Red and Golds finish their season on a high after the departure of Trevor Morgan.
Morgan had faced the brunt of the fans as he overlooked the new signings and continued to field a team as per his preference. The irate fans demanded results but the team failed to conjure anything fruitful. Consequently, a number of crucial departments lacked the firepower to deliver on matchdays.
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A significant bunch of the players never made the cut and continued to be on the bench even when the team kept losing. On the other hand, there were players who in spite of their good form, were dropped from the starting eleven to make way for others. Team selection was a major worry as the coach seemed out of ideas.
These factors sabotaged any potential title winning aspirations of the team and they ended up in the 3rd spot.
As East Bengal gear up for the Federation Cup, we take a look at five players who should start every game to add consistency to the team.
#5 Arnab Mondal
A long-serving member of the club, Arnab Mondal has time and again proved his mettle in the centre-back position. He has flourished in the Indian Super League setup with Atletico de Kolkata but has not been able to make the cut this season, owing to injuries and lack of form.
His reading of the game was there to see in the triumphant Calcutta Football League campaign for the Red and Golds. His astute positioning imparts an upper hand in one on one situations. Subsequently, he is currently the first choice of coach Stephen Constantine for the national side.
In the upcoming Federation Cup, Mondal should be given a permanent spot alongside Ivan Bukenya to consolidate the central defence. Veterans like Gurwinder Singh and Anwar Ali should not be risked in the upcoming tournament, allowing Mondal to gel in with the team.
Since East Bengal seem most vulnerable after the break with the average time to concede being 48 minutes, someone with quicker legs should be preferred.
Player to replace- Gurwinder Singh
#4 Lalrindika Ralte
Another household name for the Red and Golds, Ralte has been their feeder for goals from set pieces and open play. Born with an immaculate left foot, Ralte has the ability to score some scorchers from outside the penalty box.
With Rowlin Borges and Mehtab Hossain in the central midfield role, Ralte has often been axed from the starting eleven. His contribution in the wing play has remained underrated as Abinash Ruidas continued to hog the left wing. But with Mehtab set to leave as he had announced prior to the season, Ralte should not find it difficult to hold his position in the centre of the field.
East Bengal failed to score in 22% of their I-League matches, outlining the need for someone to ease their goalscoring woes. Ralte’s formidable presence in the midfield makes it imperative for his inclusion in the starting XI.
Player to replace- Mehtab Hossain in Central Midfield
#3 Nikhil Poojary
The promising under-22 player had a bad case of injuries before he made his appearance for the Red and Golds this season. But once he took the field, there was no looking back for the diminutive winger.
Under the guidance of Trevor Morgan, Poojary flourished on the flanks and had been the creator of numerous attacks from the channels. His knee was a cause of concern for the Red and Golds but the Mumbaikar did not let that come in his way. His dazzling footwork on the wings outwitted defenders time and again.
Nikhil has the pace to outdo defenders and his movement makes it ominous for the wingbacks who simply cannot afford to lose him. East Bengal have only three players in the under-22 segment but no one apart from Poojary can be deemed worthy enough to find a place in the senior side. With a dismal home record of only 1.44 goals per match, he should look to seal his place in the starting XI in the upcoming tournament.
Player to replace- None
#2 Bikash Jairu
After being out for the entire season, the Jairu made a comeback in the last two games of the league. He scored in both the games and once again showed what the side had been missing so far.
Jairu has the ability to assist in counter attacks or drop deep to counter the opposition’s movement. His burst of pace can leave the defenders hapless.
His brilliant assist and a solo goal earned him the man of the match in the last match against Mumbai FC. In the Federation Cup, Jairu must be given the nod ahead of Ruidas to launch a formidable challenge for the trophy.
Player to replace- Abinash Ruidas
#1 Subhasish Roy Chowdhury
The 30-year-old has been given the start after the departure of Morgan in the last few matches of the I-League. Subhasish has impressed under the bar and looks set to be a part of the starting eleven in the Federation Cup.
TP Rehenesh’s lack of form was a massive factor which disrupted their quest for the league title. His casual slips ups had proved costly as East Bengal lost back to back matches at a critical stage. The team could keep a clean sheet in only 33% of their outings this season, not the best of defensive records when competing for the title.
Subhasish seemed a bit jaded in the initial stages but was quick to find his feet as he kept a clean sheet in the last match against Mumbai FC. Therefore, it is imperative that Rehenesh makes way for the more experienced custodian in the Federation Cup, which starts in a week.
Player to replace- Rehenesh TP
