I-League 2018-19: Chennai City or East Bengal? 5 Players who will have a say in title race

#4 Enrique Esqueda

Esqueda made his presence felt with a brace against Neroca

If one googles his name, a lot of Spanish articles will appear on the screen. If one can translate and read those, they will come to know how much Enrique Esqueda is famous in Mexico.

‘Paleta’, as he is lovingly called by the fans, made heads turn when he decided to come to India and join East Bengal. Many questioned his decision, although support came from some corners knowing that the East Bengal team will be managed by Alejandro Menendez, who handpicked the Mexican before the start of the season.

Like Manzi, Esqueda made his presence felt with a brace against Neroca in East Bengal’s first match. Then he assisted Jobby Justin in the next match twice. Esqueda scored his third goal, though on lost occasion against Chennai City. However, he broke his rib in the Gokulam Kerala match and was ruled out for one month.

Esqueda went back to Spain for treatment and there were a lot of rumours over whether East Bengal would retain him. But Menendez showed his trust on the Mexican and eventually, Esqueda would come back in January, before the second leg of Kolkata Derby. He silenced his doubters with impressive performances against Neroca, Shillong Lajong, Real Kashmir and Minerva Punjab, scoring goals in all these matches.

Esqueda has exceptional skills, good heading ability, positioning. At a time when East Bengal’s main goal-scorer Jobby Justin is missing through suspension, Esqueda took the mantle of scoring and there is hope that he would continue the same form against Gokulam in the last match.