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After a very successful first season, the much-anticipated second instalment of the Hero Indian Super League is just around the corner. The league, like last year, promises to enthral the audience with high-quality footballing entertainment as well as the glitz and glamour off the field. The 8 different ISL teams will battle it out over the course of the next 3 months, across 8 different venues spread throughout the subcontinent, for the ultimate prize.Last season’s runners-up Kerala Blasters, under new boss Peter Taylor, have gone back to the drawing board to construct a new looking side that will look to get both their hands on the trophy this time, having come agonisingly close to doing so last year.Continuing the build-up to the ISL we looking closely at the yellow brigade, here are 5 players from Kerala Blasters to watch out for in season 2.
#1 Mehtab Hossain
30-year old Mehtab Hossain is one of the most experienced Indian midfielders around. Born in Madhyamgram in West Bengal, Mehtab has played for both the Kolkata giants; Mohun Bagan and East Bengal. Mehtab was part of the Indian national team side that finished runner-up in the SAFF Championships in 2013 held at Nepal.
The Bengali central defensive midfielder’s vast experience in the I-League will be key for the Blasters in midfield. He will play the holding role and will be responsible for keeping the midfield in shape. Manager Peter Taylor will be meaning to build his midfield unit around Mehtab, who most likely will lie deep and dictate terms in the middle of the park.
#2 Sanchez Watt
A product of the Arsenal Youth Academy, Sanchez Watt will be a part of Kerala Blasters’ formidable attacking line-up in ISL 2. The 24-year old, who has represented the England national team at the under-16, under-17 and the under-19 age levels, will be one player to keep an eye out for.
Watt who has an Arsenal senior team appearance and goal to his name has reasonable experience playing in the lower divisions of English football, for teams such as Southend United and Leeds United.
Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger is one of the many people to have admired young Watt. Wenger on many occasions in the past has expressed his fondness for the striker’s work rate and sharpness. Sanchez’s energy and movements up top for Kerala is sure to give opposing defenders a tough time in the ISL.
#3 Sandhesh Jhingan
‘Emerging Player of the season’ from the first edition of the ISL, Sandesh Jhingan is arguably one of the best Indian defenders at the moment. In India’s recent 3-0 loss to Iran in the World Cup qualifiers at Bengaluru, Jhingan put up a spirited display at centre-back.
Aerial competence and the skill to read the game from the back are namely the two main attributes of the defender hailing from Chandigarh.
Jhingan is also known for his versatility and can fit in anywhere in the backline for Kerala. Last season he played at both full back and centre back showcasing outstanding performances and earing heaps of praises from all over in the process.
Standing tall at 6 feet and 2 inches, Jhingan will once again be the stalwart in defence for Kerala this year.
#4 Carlos Marchena
Winner of both the European Championships as well as the World Cup with Spain, Marquee man Carlos Marchena needs very little introduction. The former Villarreal and Valencia defender, will look to add an Indian Super League winner’s medal to his silverware collection when he leads out the Kerala Blasters onto the pitch in ISL 2.
The seasoned 36-year old’s presence will grace the Kerala dressing room and the young players will be able to learn a lesson or two from Marchena, both on and off the pitch.
The strong centre back that he is, Marchena is the kind of defender who would not think twice before going into a 50-50 challenge. In the past, the custodian in defence has also played in a central defensive midfielder role, which will make it interesting to see how Carlos Marchena will be employed by Peter Taylor.
However, it is guaranteed that Marchena’s experience of playing in the Spanish top flight for such a long period will be vital for the Blasters.
#5 Chris Dagnall
Chris Dagnall will be the go-to man for goals for Kerala Blasters this season. Known dearly to fans as the “The dagger”, Dagnall is a part of the strong 6 member English contingent that Peter Taylor has brought into the squad this season.
Dagnall will have huge boots to fill in, as Kerala Blasters’ top scorer from last season, Iain Hume will be no longer be with them. The 29-year-old will feel the pressure on him, to score goals on a regular basis, due to his predecessor having done so well. With close to 75 career goals, he should not find it hard to find the back of the net and will look to hit the ground running right from the off.
Dagnall, who previously played for Bradford City and Coventry City is known for his good finishing skills and his quick movements off the ball. He could prove to be the difference for Kerala Blasters this season.
