#4 Strong debuts all around
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With all the injuries and the departure of Alvaro Rubio, Bengaluru needed their new players to start performing straight away. And boy, did they! Sena Ralte, Lenny Rodrigues and Harmanjot Khabra all started the game in what were their respective debuts for the club. And none of them did any harm in endearing themselves to the Bengaluru faithful.
Ralte, in particular, had an outstanding game. It was a performance that was capped off by a goal on debut. Can he score many better goals than that? Maybe not, but Bengaluru will not care. The goal was only a bonus and just reward for fine all-round play from the Manipuri all game.
He was solid in defence as he never let the Shillong attackers get past him. In attack, he was always an outlet, a willing runner, and showed good pace and some fine dribbling ability as well.
Lenny, for his part, played a huge role in Bengaluru dominating the midfield. With Cameron Watson being entrusted with being the defensive midfielder and Lyngdoh very clearly the No. 10, Lenny’s job was to do the dirty work, put in the yards and keep the ball moving. And he did that to perfection. His energy was the perfect complement to Watson’s guile and Lyngdoh’s vision.
Khabra though, deserves huge plaudits, just for playing in an unnatural position in a new side and new surroundings. The Punjabi prides himself on his versatility and tonight was another testament to that. He complemented Udanta perfectly in attack, but stuck to his task on the defensive end of things.
