#4 Kolkata need more from its fullbacks as well as central midfielders
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When Pune into the game with wingbacks and a back three which converted into a back five while retreating, Molina would have expected his team to be threatening on the wings. However, as things turned out, the visitors failed to impose their might on the flanks with their wingman looking off colour while getting little help from their full backs.
Sameehg Doutie for the second game in a row failed to have much impact down the right, while Lalrindika showed once again that he is not primarily a winger. Pritam Kotal, who has been India’s first choice on the right side of defence under Stephen Constantine has had an ordinary season so far. He was seen marauding down the right to provide the South African Doutie with an option, but his touches in the final remained something he might not want to see on tape anytime soon. Meanwhile, on the left, Robert was anonymous, and it won’t be a surprise if Molina calls in the services of Prabir Das next game.
In the middle, the duo of Pearson and Borja Fernandes was overrun, and when they had possession, they failed to make much of it. Either there were Hollywood passes upfront for Iain Hume to chase or too many errant balls here and there with the option being limited. The gap between the forward line and the midfield seemed to be a barrier Atletico on the day, and Molina would do well to rectify that aspect of their game.
