I-League 2017/18: Minerva Punjab vs East Bengal, 5 Talking Points

Katsumi never walked alone...

Katsumi was always tightly marked. (Representational Image)

Khalid Jamil decided to place Katsumi in the centre of the park to allow the Japanese medio to take control of the game. While the Red and Golds did manage to keep the lion's share of the ball in the opening exchanges, Katsumi found the going hard.

The playmaker, who had moved to East Bengal from rival club Mohun Bagan at the start of the season, however, was not allowed an inch of space by the Minerva player. He often found himself marked by multiple defenders, as he tried to create space for his teammates. By comparison, Al Amna was allowed a lot more time on the ball.