#3 Borja Fernandez
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If Hume has been the star over the three years of the league, Kolkata’s Spanish captain is the bedrock on which their attacking play is built. His presence in midfield allows freedom for creative players in the side to express themselves.
But it is not just his assured presence in midfield that makes Borja so important for Jose Molina. His athleticism belies his age of 35. In testing conditions, where the humidity and heat on occasion have made it extremely difficult for teams to maintain their tempo, Borja has been an epitome of energy.
He reads the game really well, is positionally very sound and is always aware of his surroundings. That explains his knack in always being there at the right place at the right time. With 46 successful tackles and 25 successful interceptions, he leads his side in both those aspects.
In recent games, the presence of Stephen Pearson has helped Borja immensely. The Scot has a very similar playing style and he doubles up Kolkata’s efforts in midfield.
Borja has not scored a goal this season. As he has shown in the first two years, he is capable of conjuring up the spectacular. The Blasters will be hoping that he doesn’t choose Sunday to replicate the efforts against Mumbai City FC in 2014 and FC Goa in 2015.
