Robin Singh - the missing link for Delhi Dynamos?

Is the FC Bengaluru man the missing link for Carlos’ side?

In their opening game of the second edition of the Indian Super League, the Delhi Dynamos were defeated by a solid FC Goa side at the Fatorda Stadium after a wonderful first half display from the Gaurs, who exploited Delhi’s shaky defense to score two goals in the first half and ran out as comfortable 2-0 winners. Goa were solid in defense and clinical in their finishing, as the Dynamos hardly looked threatening for most of the game. Mandar Rao Desai and Reinaldo scored for the home side, whereas Delhi came close to scoring in the second half after two efforts from John Arne Riise and Florent Malouda hit the woodwork in a matter of seconds.

With the Indian national team playing its FIFA World Cup qualifying games in the next few days, both teams were missing a few key players who had left for Ashgabat to join the Indian team for its game against Turkmenistan. One of the players who had joined Stephen Constantine’s squad is the Dynamos forward Robin Singh, who was signed by them in the ISL Auction for a whopping sum of Rs 51 lakhs. The tall and powerful attacker, who has also played for East Bengal, is expected to spearhead Roberto Carlos’ attack with his pace, powerful shooting and aerial abilities.

In his absence, Carlos opted to start up front with Ghanaian youngster Richard Gadze, with Florent Malouda playing in a number 10 playmaking role behind him. FC Goa started with experienced and strong centre-backs in the form of Brazilian legend Lucio and Gregory Arnolin, who comfortably dealt with what the team from the capital had to throw at them. Gadze did get in behind and beat Lucio on a few occasions, but the former Brazil captain used his experience and guile to unsettle him and made sure that he was not a major threat. Any efforts by him to hold up the ball were quickly snuffed out as well.

Singh's aerial abilities will be one of the biggest assets for the Dynamos

Coming into the game, Delhi’s wingers – Vinicius and Shylo Mama were expected to play a major role, but due to lack of options in the box and some superb play by Goa’s fullbacks, their influence waned as the game wore on. The only aerial threat provided was by Malouda who made some darting runs into the box and hit the post once. On set pieces, Riise had one half-chance. Other than that, Delhi had no outlet and target man inside the box who could challenge Lucio and Arnolin, and put pressure on them. Gadze tried hard but given his diminutive figure, he could not trouble the Goan centre-back duo.

This is where Robin Singh will be vital to the side. He is a severe threat in the air for opposition defenses and can use his height and powerful body to create some chances in the penalty box. He also possesses the ability to receive the ball, hold it up, keep defenders at bay and bring other teammates into play – a role he plays quite adeptly for Bengaluru FC and the Indian national team as well. Roberto Carlos will be counting down the days for his chief striker’s return so that he can play up top and contest for headers from crosses and open play, which will free up players like Malouda and allow them to exert more influence on proceedings. Also, his holding up of play can bring players such as dos Santos and Vinicius into the game and provide them with more space so that they can wreak havoc.