Bengaluru FC 1-0 ATK: 5 Talking Points & Tactical Analysis | ISL 2019-20

#4 Suresh Wangjam again proves his indispensability

Suresh (L) was brilliant against ATK

At the start of the season, Bengaluru FC seemed to have had their midfield bases covered, with the likes of Dimas Delgado, Erik Paartalu and Raphael Augusto delegated with the task of creating as well as destroying. However, an untimely injury to the Brazilian meant that the Blues were suddenly short on numbers and had to call upon Suresh Wangjam, an unheralded midfielder.

Since then though, the Indian has strengthened his credentials massively and has morphed into arguably one of their most important cogs. And, on Sunday, he lent further weight to those notions with a thoroughly impressive outing.

Suresh began the encounter as part of a three-man midfield, alongside Dimas and Paartalu. Throughout the opening period, he looked a bundle of energy as he tracked his runners diligently and took up superb positions to cut off ATK’s passing lanes.

After the break, the youngster portrayed his versatility when he was asked to deputize as a right wing-back, a role that seemed alien at first but one that he excelled in.

Suresh ended the game with 2 tackles, 3 interceptions, 5 blocks and 3 clearances. More impressively though, whenever he pinched the ball off the opposition, he showcased the adequate composure to drive forward and allow his defence the time to get back into shape.

A few months ago, not many beyond the local footballing circuit of Bengaluru would’ve expected the Indian to make such a big splash on the ISL stage. Yet, as the season enters its home stretch, one reckons that Suresh is perhaps one of the first names on the team sheet, especially considering the myriad roles he can play.