ISL 2018-19: How have FC Goa's Big Guns fared so far?

From what has been on display so far, FC Goa appear to be strong contenders for the Indian Super League (ISL) title this season.

With one win and a draw, Goa are on top of the table, edging the other teams on goal difference and goals scored. Their love for attacking football and scoring goals is lovely to watch and with their goal-scoring tally ever increasing, the Gaurs can be considered as the favourites to make it to the top four of the ISL at the end of the league phase.

Sergio Lobera’s team has scored five goals in two matches, but the defence is a matter of concern, just like the previous season. However, the big guns playing upfront continue to please the fans with an amazing brand of attacking play and for now, one can forget worrying about the back-four.

FC Goa’s Ferran Corominas is continuing to put up brilliant performances with the support of the Goan winger Mandar Rao Dessai. Edu Bedia, on the other hand, controls the soul of the team and is contributing towards the goals and defence.

Let's have a look at how these three big players fared for the Goa-based side in the first two matches.

#1 Ferran Corominas

Ferran Corominas possesses all the good qualities that a striker is supposed to have - be it dribbling past a couple of defenders, shooting or scoring goals. The Spanish striker took the ISL by storm as he joined the Gaurs last season and has had a glittering career ever since. He won the golden boot last season with a tally of 18 goals in 20 games.

The star striker continues to make waves as he is already leading the goal-scoring charts of the season 2018-19 with three goals to his name in two matches played.

Coro scored twice in Goa’s first match against NorthEast United and also bagged the Hero of the match. However, the match ended in a draw as the scores were levelled 2-2.

In the second match, Coro netted the second goal for his, team thus giving his side the edge in their 3-1 victory over defending champions Chennaiyin FC. The sharp shooter is worshipped for his shooting accuracy and has never let the fans down so far. Coro has not only brought FC Goa’s defending woes to a standstill but went on to create records.

Though it’s too early to say, the far-reaching competition is just getting the better out of Corominas with every game and we can only hope for the best from him in the Indian Super League.

#2 Mandar Rao Dessai

Mandar Rao Dessai (Image: ISL)

With his quick feet and brilliant pace along the right wing, Mandar Rao Dessai works on breaking the rival defence lines and creating opportunities for his team.

Mandar has been a very effective skipper for his side. He has managed to create havoc from the flanks, spraying balls to the target man Ferran Corominas and also has a shot or two himself at the goal. Mandar seems to be showing signs of improvement but has to work on his finishing abilities to give his side the desired boost in the ISL.

The Goan lad has been with FC Goa since the inception of ISL after moving from his Dempo SC. The 26-year-old has fit into Sergio Lobera’s side perfect but the winger has a lesser rate of conversion and fails to make the most of the chances. He scored only twice last season and is yet to score this season.

New Season. New #MRD7 hair cut. How do you like this one? 🤔 #ForcaGoa pic.twitter.com/lZA9hz1Cx1

— FC Goa (@FCGoaOfficial) October 9, 2018

#3 Edu Bedia

Edu Bedia (Image: ISL)

One of the most reliable midfielders in the ISL, the 29-year old Edu Bedia has been a vital cog in the midfield for the Gaurs. Sergio Lobera’s main man continues to impress in the ISL with his dominating play and defence-splitting passes.

Bedia was impressive against NorthEast United FC but was unable to led the team to a victory. The Spanish midfielder showed an enhanced performance against Chennaiyin FC and netted the opener against the defending champions in the 3-1 result.

Bedia latched on to Lenny Rodrigues’ ball from the right wing and slotted the ball home to give his side the edge over Chennaiyin FC. The midfielder has played consistently and has made an impact in almost every game with his attacking and defensive prowess, making him a fan favourite.

Bedia scored and assisted twice last season and managed to complete 1,219 passes with a passing accuracy of 84 per cent.