Kerala Blasters FC has tasted both the sweet and the sour so far in the two ISL seasons. In their inaugural season, Blasters had a dream run to the final, only going down to Atletico de Kolkata in an injury time goal by Mohammed Rafique.
The second season of ISL saw Blasters team hitting rock bottom in the points table after the huge success in the inaugural season and there were open disputes between the management and the fans, which were even seen protesting in a home match wearing gags over their mouths.
Also Read: ISL 2016: Kerala Blasters to conduct pre-season training camp in Kolkata
A brand new season and a brand new opportunity, we look at how the Kochi outfit might line-up this season.
Sportskeeda looks at the strongest eleven on paper of Kerala Blasters, which is co-owned by Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and coached by former Manchester United player Steven Coppell.
Formation: 4-3-1-2
Goalkeepers and Defenders
Goalkeeper: Graham Stack
The English-born Irish goalkeeper is expected to be the man between the sticks for Kerala Blasters this season. At 34, former Arsenal and Barnet goalkeeper come to the ISL with a bag full of experience from the English soil.
RB: Rino Anto
Rino Anto, 28, who was sold for a whopping 90 lakhs to Atletico de Kolkata in the ISL auction last year, has joined the Blasters squad this season and is expected to be an automatic pick in the playing eleven. The Kerala-born full-back has been in the rich vein of form this season for Bengaluru FC, who has the second-best defensive record in the I-League.
CB: Aaron Hughes (Captain)
The marquee player for Blasters this season, Hughes, unlike the previous marquee signings is fully matched fit and is expected to lead the side throughout the season. The 36-year-old Northern Ireland and former New Castle star enter the tournament after successfully competing in the recently concluded EURO 2016.
He has both the experience and the talent and is expected to form a strong central defensive partnership with Cedric Hengbart.
CB: Cedric Hengbart
The return of the prodigal son, Cedric Hengbart, has certainly put a smile back on the Blasters supporters, who were left reeling upon seeing Cedric leaving Blasters for North East United in the ISL season 2.
The Frenchman played a crucial role in Blasters march to the final in the inaugural ISL season and is expected to bring back that quality in defense this season. The highly experienced player is a ball playing defender, who can carry the ball out from the back and initiates quick counter attacks.
LB: Sandesh Jhingan
The performance of the Chandigarh lad for Blasters in the inaugural edition of the ISL attracted plaudits from all quarters of the game, and Jhingan also went on to receive the AIFF Emerging Footballer of the Year award as well. The talented all-round defender will be an automatic pick for Steve Coppell’s side.
Midfielders
RM: Mohammed Rafique
The Kolkata-born Mohammed Rafique is best known for scoring the winner for Atletico de Kolkata in the final of the inaugural Indian Super League in against his new team, the Kerala Blasters. Rafique, 24, has had a good year saw far, he made his full India debut and is currently part of the plans of National coach Stephan Constantine.
Kerala Blasters get themselves a good winger, who can also play in the middle of the park or in the attack, but surely his strength is to use the wings and get the ball into the middle to his strikers.
CM: Mehtab Hossain
East Bengal’s anchor-man in midfield, Mehtab Hossain is one of the kingpins of Indian football for both club and country. The tough-as-nails player started his career as an attacking midfielder before former red & gold coach Philippe De Ridder pitch forked him into the defensive midfielder position which he has turned into his calling card. Mehtab has been dubbed by his fans the ‘Claude Makelele of Indian football’ for his ferocious tackling and 100 percent commitment on the pitch.
Former mentor Trevor Morgan showed immense faith in his unquestioned abilities by drafting him as his first pick during the ISL domestic player draft in 2014. The defensive midfield maestro has been with the Blasters since the inaugural edition of the Hero ISL and has made 22 appearances for them heading into Hero ISL 2016.
LM: CK Vineeth
The 28-year-old local lad comes into the Blasters squad after successfully helping Bengaluru FC reach the AFC Cup semifinal for the first time in club history. He netted the solitary goal for his team as they went past Tampines Rovers of Singapore in the quarter-finals to book their place in the semifinal.
The attacking midfield player has the ability to tear down any defense on his day and is expected to continue with his rich vein of form.
AM: Michael Chopra
After a disappointed start to his ISL career, Michael is back in the fray to prove a point or two. Unlike the previous season he has proven his fitness to the management and is expected to don the yellow jersey.
Also Read: Michael Chopra says Indian coach Constantine has achieved nothing as a player
Though a striker by trade, Chopra could well be the playmaker Blasters have been long searching for, serving as the offensive pivot of the team. With the abundant experience and ability to read the game, makes him the automatic choice for the position.
Strikers
RS: Kervens Belfort
The 24 year old Haitian international is one of the hot prospects of the tournament, who played a total of 138 minutes in 3 matches for Haiti in the Copa America Centurion. The physically sound striker is expected to link up well with Antonio German and Michael Chopra.
The Haitian International has notched up 11 goals so far in his 30 appearances for the team.
LS: Antonio German
The England-born striker, who was one of the finds of the ISL 2, is expected to continue from where he stopped last season. He finished the tournament with 6 goals and 3 assists to his name from just 9 matches.
One of the fan favorites, German will be looking to add more goals to his name this season as he has a much more quality side around him now.
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