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It is a matter of 48 hours before East Bengal and Aizawl FC face off at the Barasat Stadium, Kolkata to kick off the 10th edition of the I-League. Before that, East Bengal coach Trevor James Morgan has a major crisis to resolve as the full team is yet to arrive. With a host of fresh faces, Morgan would have a tough task to select the best eleven for the opening game.
The foreigners are yet to start training with the team as the visa woes continue to plague the system. The Haitian forward Wedson Anselme is the only one practising with the side since his arrival from Bangladesh. Neither the central defender Ivan Bukenya nor Willis Plaza, the striker from Trinidad and Tobago have managed to join the side yet.
In such a difficult scenario, Morgan would be hoping his available players would go all out to guide the team through choppy waters. Here are top 5 players on whom the coach would be banking upon for the success of the Red and Gold brigade.
#5 Abinash Ruidas
The diminutive winger has shown us his dazzling skills in this edition of the Hero Indian Super League. A brilliant crossing ability has earmarked the repertoire of the left-footed attacker. His abilities would prove to be crucial for the East Bengal side.
Abinash has a bag of skills that puzzles the best in the business. His petite frame adds to his advantage in slipping away from the markers. During the Indian Super League, Ruidas proved to be a menace for the opposition wingbacks. It remains to be seen if the Atletico de Kolkata man can produce similar razzmatazz for his I-League outfit.
#4 Mohammed Rafique
A young forward, Rafique came to limelight with his winning goal in the finals of the inaugural Indian Super League. Since then, there has been no looking back for the 24-year old. With his slender built, he is adept at outpacing the side backs on the flanks. However, this season, he might be used as the lone striker to score the goals for his side.
Rafique possesses the necessary skills to outfox the defenders and has a keen eye for the goal. During the Calcutta Football League, he would often partner Mehtab Hossain in the central midfield role. His versatility makes him a favourable option for the coach for any team he plays. A youthful presence in the attacking front, Mohammed Rafique is an important cog in the East Bengal wheel.
#3 Mehtab Hossain
A veteran of the Indian football circuit, Mehtab would be the mainstay of the East Bengal central midfield. The 31-year old provides the solidity and steel in the defensive screen. With Arnab Mondal injured, Mehtab would be providing the defensive cover to the centre backs.
He has been with the East Bengal side for years now and is a personal favourite of coach Trevor James Morgan. Having played under his tutelage during the Kerala Blasters’ days, Mehtab would be going great guns to bring home the I-league. His explosive claim of quitting football if East Bengal fail to win the trophy certainly adds a fillip to his I-league campaign. Expectations would be high from the local boy to fulfil his promise to the fans.
#2 Jackichand Singh
Another new signing of East Bengal, Jackichand Singh or Jacki as he is fondly called is mainly a winger who has the uncanny knack of scoring goals. The former Royal Wahingdoh man would be itching to prove it in the Calcutta football scene. He has the pace and guile which would aid him in competing with the best in the I-League.
The 24-year old has played for the national side, assisting and scoring in crucial matches. He provides the perfect concoction of youth and experience. With a dearth of a solid striker in the Red and Gold ranks, Jackichand would be looking forward to chip in with his goal scoring prowess.
#1 Wedson Anselme
The 30-year old Haitian has been the only foreigner to join the squad well in time. Consequently, he has the much-needed bandwidth to sync in with the rest of the side. Having played in Bangladesh for years, Wedson would be well acquainted with the tropical playing conditions. His experience would come in handy while leading the younger crop of players of the East Bengal squad
Mostly a striker, he can feature in the channels as well as a false 9. Coach Morgan might deploy Wedson in the flanks or he might operate just behind the striker. He will be expected to contribute with the goals in his debut stint for the Calcutta giants.
A new face in the Indian football arena, Wedson’s reputation precedes him. He would be the top dog for the East Bengal side as he plans to scale new heights in his Asian sojourn.
