With the third edition of the Indian Super League just days away (the tournament kicks off on 1 October) we turn our attention to Atletico de Kolkata and the best playing XI the inaugural champions can field once the season starts. After winning it all in the first season, ATK made the semi-finals last season. This year, fans of the Kolkata team will be hoping their feat from the inaugural season can be repeated.
With the marquee player from last season, Helder Postiga, back in the team, Kolkata already look like they might be off to a great start. If the ISL trophy is the end-game for the Kolkata team, as it should be, here’s the best XI they should start with and stick to as far as possible.
Goalkeeper – Debjit Majumder
In July, Atletico de Kolkata confirmed Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Debjit Majumder was joining the Kolkata side on loan for the 2016 edition of the ISL. Majumder’s defining moments came during the 2014-15 I-League season when six clean sheets in 14 games got him the Goalkeeper of the Year award. An athletic shot-stopper who has quite the talent for making diving acrobatic saves, Majumdar also garnered a call to the national set-up earlier this year for his performances.
Here’s hoping he can keep some clean sheets for ATK too.
Right Back – Pritam Kotal
Mohun Bagan defender Pritam Kotal is Atletico de Kolkata’s best option in the right back position. Not only is he a solid presence in the back line but can be dangerous when he is on the offensive too. After spending the last two ISL seasons with FC Pune City, Kotal will be looking to make a positive impact on the team and seal his place in the starting line-up.
Centre Back – Arnab Mondal
Arnab Mondal has remained a fixture in the Kolkata team’s line-up since the first season of ISL in 2014. Probably one of the best defenders in the country, Mondal should continue to be the mainstay of the team’s back line in the upcoming edition of the tournament. The management’s faith in his abilities is evident from the fact that he is the only Indian defender to be retained by the club.
Centre Back – Ofentse Nato
Ofentse Nato has been an important player for ATK since the first season of ISL in 2014. While his partnership with Spanish midfielder Borja has been very successful for the team – winners of ISL in 2014 and a semi-final berth last year, the Botswana international might be deployed as a centre-back this time, opening up room for other players to take up the midfield position. His sound defensive ability makes him a reliable partner for Arnab in the back line.
Left Back – Jose Luis Espinosa Arroyo ‘Tiri’
As a player of Atletico Madrid’s B team, Arroyo or ‘Tiri’ as he is better known has plenty of experience and training to play in any defensive position. With Nato as centre-back, Tiri is ATK’s best option for the left-back position as well. As a defender, he is full of energy and has an impressive work rate; all the qualitites required for a successful wingback. After 13 appearances for ATK last season, he is sure to be retained in the starting XI.
Central Midfielder – Borja Fernandez
Another one of Kolkata’s Spanish contingent, Borja Fernandez has become a fixture in the defensive midfield position for the team. Borja is set to start his third ISL season with the Kolkata outfit and will look to maintain his previous form. He forms a sturdy opposition in front of his defenders ready to stop any attackers from the other side trying to make their way through. In fact, in 2014 he had the highest number of tackles at 63.
Central Midfielder – Lalrindika Ralte
After playing for Mumbai City in the first-ever ISL, Dika is back this season as a player for ATK. Even though he is primarily well-known as an attacking midfielder, ATK can make good use of him in the heart of their midfield alongside Borja. With the Spaniard forming a defensive cover in front of the back four, Dika will have the opportunity to make forward runs and open up space for his more advanced team-mates.
Ralte already considers Kolkata his second home after playing for a number of years in the Red and Yellow of East Bengal in recent times. This will be a pivotal year in the Ralte’s career as he seeks to fight his way back from a long injury layoff.
Right Wing – Sameehg Doutie
South African right winger Sameehg Doutie has been retained by ATK for the 2016 edition of the ISL after his stand-out performance last year. In a season that was obviously disappointing than the one before, Doutie was a powerful force running up and down the right flank. With 3 goals and 6 assists last year, ATK will be hoping he’s up to doing more of the same this season.
Left Wing – Bikash Jairu
A product of the ‘Search for more Bhaichung Bhutias’ campaign, Bikash Jairu is on loan with ATK from I-League team East Bengal. He played in the ISL last season as a winger for FC Pune City but was utilised in a limited manner. As a new ATK player, Jairu will look to make his mark on the team with goals and assists that will help his team move forward.
Forward – Iain Hume
Former Leicester City player, Iain Hume was on fire for ATK last season with 11 goals including two hat-tricks. He did pretty well for himself in the inaugural season of the ISL in 2014 reaching the finals with Kerala Blasters and was named Hero of the League with five goals and three assists. Hume has become one of the most recognisable names of the ISL because of his goal scoring prowess and ATK fans will be delighted he’s still on their side.
Forward – Helder Postiga
Atletico de Kolkata’s most decorated player, Helder Postiga is the outfit’s marquee player for the second season running and supporters will be hoping he can actually stick around this time. Last season was disappointing for Kolkata as Postiga was ruled out from playing after an injury he sustained in his very first game. The Portuguese striker’s second return to Kolkata is imminent and the country can’t wait to see him in action.
His successes with Portugal and FC Porto make him a valuable player for ATK and the most capable spearhead for all their attacks.
Formation – 4-2-3-1
Atletico de Kolkata like to play intensive pressing football making the 4-2-3-1 formation ideal for the side. With forwards like Hume and Postiga to spearhead the attack, it would be a shame to let their combined attacking prowess go to waste. With a balanced central midfield of Borja and Dika and a strong back four, ATK should stick to the formula that has worked for them in the past, but with improvements of course.
