#2 Balance in all the three departments
If we take a glance at the present ATK squad, it looks like a formidable unit with excellent players in all the three departments -- Forward, Midfield, and Defense.
Prabir Das is expected to start at right back with Aiborlang Khongjee as an excellent backup option. Sena Ralte will likely play the role of left back.
The Brazilian Gerson Vieira, Bengaluru FC regular John Johnson, Cameroonian footballer André Bikey, Arnab Mondal are the options to choose from for Steve as centre-backs.
Moroccan professional footballer Noussair El Maimouni, Pronay Halder, Hitesh Sharma, Cavin Lobo, Komal Thatal, veteran Spaniard Manuel Lanzarote (captain), Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Yumnam Singh, Sheikh Faiaz, Malsawmzuala are the plethora of capable options Steve has in the centre of the pitch.
The strike force is just lethal this time -- with Kalu Uche, Balwant Singh, Brazilian Éverton Santos expected to be the starters and Jayesh Rane as back up.
All in all, the squad looks extremely balanced in all three departments. It does not boast of extremely big names but there are some really good players in ATK and it will be interesting to see which combinations Steve Coppell tries out as they get ready to begin their campaign.