ISL: Josemi is a value addition to team Atlético de Kolkata

Josemi has been crucial to Atletico de Kolkata’s solidity

Jose Miguel Gonzalez Rey, or Josemi as he is popularly known, has made his mark in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) such that, he can be a part of any team for his sheer ability as an aggressive defender.

With robust performances at the back, the Spaniard has cemented his place in Atletico de Kolkata’s line-up, having turned out in all their 11 games so far.

The first big club Josemi played for was Malaga CF in Spain. He got noticed and subsequently came to be known as Rafael Benitez’s first signing as Liverpool manager. Benitez believed Josemi could provide strength to the team because he was good in the air.

Even though he was part of the victorious campaign of Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League in 2004-05, he could not sustain his show, and returned home to Villarreal FC. It was in 2008 that he scored his first senior professional goal for Mallorca. With around 350 match appearances for various clubs, Josemi has a wealth of experience which he brings to the ISL.

The 35-year-old fits into Kolkata’s philosophy of team cohesion and development. With the team’s Spanish link – a tie-up with Atletico Madrid and a bunch of Spanish players in the line-up led by marquee player Luis Garcia - there is a solidity that Antonio Lopez Habas, a former Valencio and Atletico Madrid coach insists on, and the team’s performance so far has shown just that.

Josemi has played his role to perfection, mentoring the likes of Arnab Mondal and Kingshuk Debnath, in the backline. A lot will depend on his leadership in Atletico’s campaign here on.