I-League 2018-19: Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal- 5 Talking Points

#3 Mohun Bagan missing Yuta Kinowaki's services in the midfield

Yuta Kinowaki suffered an injury just before the kickoff

Henry Kisekka replacing Yuta Kinowaki in the starting lineup was a last minute change as the Japanese suffered a strain in his calf muscle just before the match kicked-off. This put a massive dent in Mohun Bagan's plan as they lost the midfield battle completely.

Omar Elhusseiny had to play a withdrawn role to compensate for Yuta's absence but looked completely lacklustre. As a result, Sony Norde, Henry Kisekka, and Dipanda Dicka had to drop down deep to collect the ball in the midfield.

In his absence, East Bengal exploited the space in front of the defense with fluid passing in the attacking third. Yuta Kinowaki's absence exemplifies the fact that defensive midfielders are the unsung heroes of the game. Their importance in the game can be understood only if they miss out on a game.