ISL 2017/2018: Top 3 players to take Edu Garcia's place in Bengaluru FC's playing XI

With Edu Garcia's departure to Chinese League One side Zhejiang Lǜchéng for a record transfer of $150,000, Bengaluru FC have become the first Indian club to earn a fee from a foreign club for the transfer of a player.

Within a short span of four months in India, Garcia scored 2 goals in the Indian Super League; his first also being Bengaluru's first in the league. The former number 13 for Bengaluru started in 12 of the 14 games he played. His stint for the Indian side also included 5 vital assists.

After Braulio Nobrega's and Edu Garcia's departure Bengaluru would be looking to fill up their gaps for the remaining season left. With AFC group matches and ISL semifinal approaching, it'd be a tough decision for Albert Roca, Bengaluru FC's head coach, to choose Garcia's replacement.

Who would Roca prefer with Paartalu and Dovale in the midfield?

Here are some players who could make their way into the playing eleven.

#3 Daniel Segovia

Daniel Segovia had previously played for Azerbaijani side Neftchi

Bengaluru's recent signing, Daniel Segovia who's yet to make his debut for the Indian side might make his way into the playing eleven. The Spaniard having completed formalities on a short-term deal, until the end of the season, was signed as a replacement for injured Braulio Nobrega.

The 32-year-old had previously played for Azerbaijani side Neftchi and fired 5 goals in 19 appearances. For SKN St. Pölten, in Austrian Bundesliga, he scored 62 goals in 130 appearances.

With Erik Paartalu and Toni Dovale, Segovia might be the perfect choice in the midfield for the top placed Bengaluru FC.

#2 Lenny Rodrigues

Lenny Rodrigues has often played with Garcia and Delgado in the midfield

The Indian midfielder has had a good time on the pitch. With a goal and an assist to his name, Rodrigues has earned himself a place in Roca's playing XI. He has started on 9 such occasions in the Indian Super League this season.

The jersey number 8 for Bengaluru FC was the second most expensive midfielder with a price tag of $92,000 in the Indian Super League Season-4 draft. Lenny Rodrigues has also been credited with Roca's plans to stop the opposition in the midfield as one of the major points that won them crucial games against FC Goa.

The 30-year-old has often played with Garcia and Delgado in the midfield. Now, it's for Albert Roca to decide if Rodrigues can gel up well with Erik Paartalu and Toni Dovale.

#1 Dimas Delgado

Dimas Delgado won 2 consecutive 'Hero of the match' awards

The Spanish midfielder, a former cadet of Pep Guardiola, has earned himself a lot of fans in his previous few games. He won 2 consecutive 'Hero of the match' awards with a brilliant display against Chennaiyin and FC Goa. Having scored his opener against FC Goa at Kanteerava, Dimas was referred as the "Midas" by the fans.

Dimas' ability to retain the ball and start the attacks from deep, plus his intelligence and his ability to contribute defensively makes him one of the most vital cogs of the Bengaluru machine. The 35-year-old attempted 102 passes, the most by a player in the match. His defensive awareness can be highlighted by the fact that he has made the most interceptions by a Bengaluru FC player.

With Garcia's departure, Dimas is the top choice to match up with Paartalu and Dovale in the midfield.