Midfield
Central midfield – Joffre
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A youth product of Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy, FC Goa have a favourite in the central midfield position with the experienced Joffre Mateu Gonzales. Having played for a couple of Spanish clubs earned him a move to Atletico de Kolkata as he clinched the ISL title with fellow countryman Spaniard Antonio Lopez Habas in the inaugural season itself. Having moved to Goa the next year, the left-footed midfielder established himself in the heart of FC Goa’s midfield, initiating a number of counter attacks.
Responsible for linking up the play, Joffre took no time to adapt to new manager Zico’s plans. His late goal in the final last year almost made it 2 ISL titles in a row for him until Stevin Mendoza's last minute heroics spoiled the party for FC Goa. And now without key player Leo Moura, FC Goa will hope that Joffre fills in the Brazilians shoes for this season of the ISL.
Central midfield – Fulganco Cardozo
Fulganco Cardozo is another homegrown talent, who is one of the latest signings for the FC Goa squad this season. Having represented many reputed Goan clubs such as the likes of Vasco SC, Sporting Goa, Salgaocar and Dempo, Fulganco is comfortable with the right back position. He is even able to shift to a more advanced left-midfielder role that provides Zico more flexibility of making squad customizations.
One of the hottest youth prospects in Goa currently, Fulganco has also made one appearance for the Blue Tigers against Laos in June 2016, scoring in his debut match as India easily triumphed over the opposition. Apart from that, Cardozo has scored the only goal for FC Goa in the friendlies they played in Brazil. After missing out on him in the first two seasons, Zico will look to make the best out of the youngster's versatility.
Defensive midfield – Richarlyson
Richarlyson Barbosa is one of the recent Brazilian summer signings for FC Goa along with Rafael Dumas and Trindade Goncalves this season. Richarlyson has the most decorated resume from all of them having played for the likes Brazilian heavyweights such as Sao Paulo and Atletico Mineiro for over a decade. And not only that, Richarlyson even made 2 appearances for the Brazilian national team in 2008.
His trophy cabinet consists of the Brazilian League trophy, Club World Cup, Campeonato Mineiro and Copa Libertadores. Given his ample experience, Zico could not wait to bring him to India and signed him for FC Goa. The 33-year-old is a versatile player and while he plays predominantly in front of the defence, Richarlyson can also slot in comfortably in the heart of the defence or at left full back.
Zico used Bikramjit Singh as a holding midfielder last season who was still taking time grappling the position. And now with the experience of Richarlyson, the Brazilian will be an asset to Zico's team during the ISL and will help the progression of this younger countrymen and Indian players as well.
