ISL 2017: 5 reasons why ATK can win the title

From being crowned the inaugural Indian Super League (ISL) champions in 2014 to bagging their second title in 2016, Atletico de Kolkata - re-branded as ATK, after their split with Atletico Madrid, have come a long way. Changes in marquee players, head coaches and team compositions have been a constant for the Red and Whites, but what hasn’t changed over the course of three years, is their habit of winning.

Unlike previous seasons, in which ATK were coached by Spaniards and most of the foreigners were from the same country. This time around it will be a British affair. After parting ways with Atletico Madrid, ATK hired former England and Manchester United striker, Teddy Sheringham as the head coach while United graduate and ex-Bengaluru FC gaffer, Ashley Westwood was named the technical director. So, fast-paced attacking football could be on show for the ATK fans.

Although this constant rejig every year isn’t beneficial for any football team, here are some of the reasons why the ATK domination is set to continue!

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#1 Robbie Keane’s goal-poaching skills

Robbie Keane

Persisting with the formula of selecting offensive players as marquee, ATK have brought in the Republic of Ireland legend, whose goal-scoring statistics are astounding. Hugely successful spells at Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and LA Galaxy, coupled with 68 goals at the international level speak volumes about the Irishman’s class in front of goal.

He may be 37, but Keane’s experience of the rough and unforgiving English football days is just what is needed in this league. Also, seldom in his career has the striker faced fitness worries, so that holds him in good stead ahead of the gruelling season.

#2 Sheringham-Westwood partnership

(L-R) Ashley Westwood, Steve Coppell and Teddy Sheringham

Sheringham and Westwood’s Manchester United connection will help their personal understanding in many aspects. When two minds in charge of a team, think on same lines, the results are bound to be encouraging.

Westwood, who has followed this country’s football from close quarters, will chip in with his inputs about Indian players while the head coach will try to inspire the team with his aggressive style of play which made him famous during the coaching days at West Ham United. Also, the fact that one is a striker and the other a defender, will simplify the job of the team management.

#3 Debjit Mazumder’s presence underneath the bar

Debjit Mazumder (Pic Courtesy: ATK)

ATK were quick to gauge the potential of the Bengal glovesman, retaining him after a highly successful 2016 campaign. The former Mohun Bagan custodian is currently one of the best goalkeepers in the country and his assured presence underneath the sticks will give the team a vital boost as they can field five non-Indian outfield players.

Also, the experience of playing in high-pressure I-League and ISL games will come in handy for Debjit in this long action-packed season.

#4 Recruitment of best Indian attacking talents

Robin Singh

In the past three seasons, one thing which has time and again bothered the ATK management is the lack of impactful Indian mid-fielders and forwards. But with Eugenson Lyngdoh, Robin Singh and Jayesh Rane in the ranks now, that problem should be taken care of quite well.

Lyngdoh has been brilliant everywhere, be it international or club matches. His ability to set the pace of the game and find the net from outrageous positions makes him a top pick.

Robin has played the better part of his career in Kolkata and will be well accustomed to the environment. He can give nightmares to many goal-keepers if his lethal left foot starts talking.

It’s a new challenge for Mumbai lad Rane, but his performance graph has shown an upward trend for the last 4-5 years. He was a regular figure in Chennaiyin FC’s line-up last season and then went on to play a telling role in Aizawl FC’s fairytale I-League triumph. He is fast, he is nippy and he will win you matches on his own. What more do ATK need?

#5 Solid defence

Tom Thorpe (R)

The Sourav Ganguly co-owned team have always showcased a miserly attitude when it comes to conceding goals and this time too their defence looks rock solid on paper.

Vastly experienced former Real Betis center-back, Jordi Montel can team up with Manchester United academy graduate Tom Thorpe, while veteran Anwar Ali’s resilience will be a bonus. And ATK’s back line looks more impressive when you add swift fullbacks in the form of Ashutosh Mehta, Nallappan Mohanraj and Prabir Das.