Kerala Blasters have one of the best, if not the best, collection of Indian players. They have almost all the positions covered with them. However, they need to have 6 foreign players. And here we will analyse where do they need those signings and what kind of players they might buy. With the news of releasing all the existing ones is already speculating, we should expect new names. (Several known examples have been used for better understanding)
1. Striker
Last season they had roped in the then 32-year-old Gary Hooper and 25-year-old Jordan Murray from A-League sides Wellington Phoenix and Central Coast Mariners respectively. However, they didn't perform up to the expectations. Both of them had 12 goals combined. Whereas three strikers had more than them (12). With that kind of stats, one can't expect a team to fire up to the title always.
They could have retained Jordan Murray considering that he is young. He could have provided a lot of faithful years if he would have paid off.
An Ogbeche like figure should work out again. A terrific poacher, having good finishing rate will do a lot of good to this team. So considering that they already have Shubho Ghosh and Naorem Mahesh Singh by their side. Having 1 proper poacher will complete that spot.
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2. A conventional LW
Since they lack a proper LW in their squad, it's a must thing for them to have one foreign LW. Considering that there is only Rahul KP, who too isn't seen at that position.
Someone like Jorge Ortiz Mendoza or Luis Machado. Both of them had a fair amount of success with the respective sides last season. Or maybe even someone like David Williams might do the trick, who is compatible at that position and provides one backup ST as well.
Getting a conventional, distributive, ball carrying and dynamic winger will do a world of good to complete the frontline.
3. Central Midfielders
Kerala Blasters have Puitea and Sahal as the CMs. Having someone like Cido will of course make it easier for the club overall. He had a fantastic start to the last season but unfortunately, an injury took him away and literally costed the entire team, including the manager's job. It would be a no brainer to retain him as he must be happy to sign the extension. And we know how much he has to offer alongside ISL experience.
Alongside Cido, they should go for a conventional #10, who is easy to fit at more central duties. Or the other way around. For example, Javi Hernandez from ATK Mohun Bagan. He is also good at CAM position and frequently plays at CM, much like Cido. Or might be someone who is even more frequently seen at CAM. This position has few young names but it's very predictable to say that they will go for such profiles.
They have Sahal, who hasn't been quite trustable as an out and out #10. But he has of course got all the abilities to form a great double pivot. He will be tried out at that role and he is believed to succeed.
And Ayush Adhikari and Givson Singh. Both of them had a good time at Arrows.
So basically, it should be 1 CM and 1 CAM to complete the midfield. DM might not be on the first list as they have got Jeakson. But if they got money and a slot to spare, they might be going for it.
4. Centre Back(s?)
The domestic defence line consists of Sandeep Singh, Abdul Hakku and newly signed Hormipam Ruivah, who also plays Right Back. Recently the name of Gursimrat Gill had emerged. So ideally, many of us will not be expecting them to go for two Centre Backs. One leader in the defence is enough for them. We know last time the highly hyped Kone-Costa duo didn't live up to expectations. The fear of failure was there.
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5. ?
Since all the spots look covered, it's gonna be difficult whom they do sign as the last foreigner. Might be a DM? Might be a CB? Or someone who can play both? Like Carl McHugh and Joao Victor. Or the last one, the most ideal situation from some point of view, where they don't sign 6th overseas player. Signing a foreign GK is highly unlikely and is considered as the very last option for a spare slot.
Kerala Blasters "might" settle with 5 foreigners only. Might be a possibility as they have got a lot of promising talents in the roster. And the priority must be to get a manager who knows to work with young players. So maybe we are going to see a name who has coached top academies previously. That would be better of course.
The sixth and last one could be the one who can play both as a CB and CDM
The last season's overseas signings had either backfired or didn't performed at all. Apart from Facundo, there isn't any second name whom you have confidently considered for an extension. It's not the management's fault that they didn't perform. The players they got were some mesmerizing profiles for ISL. Be it Kone, Costa, Gomez or Hooper. It's just that they weren't been put perfectly.
The pandemic is making it harder for everyone. The majority of the foreigners will not be considering signing here majorly because of the situation. Hope everything gets better and we will able to enjoy it peacefully again.
~ Chetan Anand
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