Kochi: Despite being one of the two newbies in this year’s Indian Super League (ISL), Bengaluru FC will not be taken lightly by their opponents who will be mindful of their stunning track record.
The teams who stamped their authority on the league in previous seasons will definitely be wary of the league’s new entrants who captured the imagination of Indian football fans by reaching the 2016 AFC Cup final.
Two time champions of the I-League, winners of the Federation Cup and finalists in the AFC Cup, the Blues, who opted to join the ISL bandwagon after a four-year-long spell in India’s top division League, will be aiming for nothing short than the ISL title when they kick off their campaign by taking on Mumbai City FC on Sunday.
Founded in 2013, BFC created history when they became the first club to win the I-League title in debut season.
Unlike the other ISL teams featuring Indian and foreign players who do not have much experience playing together, Bengaluru have a settled look about themselves as their main players have been together for a long time.
Though they lost star player Eugeneson Lyngdoh in the player draft, BFC have managed to retain six of their old players. While the pre-season training of all other teams in the fray focused on picking the best combination and formation, the Blues have already gelled well, having played against some tough opponents in the AFC Asia Cup.
Strong defense, versatile attack
Defensive strength is the hallmark of this Albert Roca-coached side. It is certain that their opponents would find BFC’s defense, which stood tall against some of the top Asian teams, a tough nut to crack.
Led by Englishman John Johnson, who plied his trade for Middlesbrough and Northampton in the English Premier League, their backline also features Spaniard Juanan Gonzalez. The duo has been playing together for over a year.
Their midfield too, packed with some established Spanish players, appears to be strong both on paper and on the field.
The enterprising midfield comprises 27-year-old winger Edu Garcia, who was a regular in La Liga side Real Zaragoza’s playing XI in the previous season, Australian first division player Erik Paartalu, and the experienced Dimas Delgado. The trio has the quality to break any defensive barrier with short and quick passes.
The highlight of BFC’s formidable and well-balanced attack is the presence of three Indian stars, Sunil Chetri, Udanta Singh, and the young Daniel Lalhlimpuia. However, the team will heavily depend on Venezuelan international Nicolas 'Miku' and Spaniard Braulio Nobrega to take them forward in the grueling five-month long league.
The coach
Albert Roca is somebody who enjoys celebrity status in Indian football. He was Frank Rijkaard’s right-hand man during the latter’s reign at Barcelona. The pair went on to work together at Turkish side Galatasaray and the Saudi Arabian national team. Roca spent most of his playing career with clubs in his native region Granollers. His last coaching assignment was with the El Salvador national side.
Star to watch
Striker Nicolas 'Miku' , who helped his team to a fourth-place finish at the 2011 Copa America in Argentina, is the top star in the BFC line-up.
He spent most of his career in Spain, having played for a host of clubs, starting with Valencia. In La Liga, he also represented Getafe and Rayo Vallecano, and won a Scottish double while on loan at Celtic in 2013.
The 32-year-old was also an important member of the national squads that competed in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Top-3 Indian stars
Sunil Chhetri
Age: 33
Role: Forward
Malsawmzuala
Age: 20
Role: Midfielder
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
Age: 25
Role: Goalkeeper