The countdown for Asia’s biggest footballing rivalry, the Kolkata derby, has begun as barely 72 hours remain for the electric clash between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan. The match is set to be held at the neutral venue of Kanchenjunga stadium in Siliguri on February 12, 2017.
With a number of players down and out, Mohun Bagan coach Sanjoy Sen has his task cut out as he looks to close the gap with the league leaders. On the other hand, East Bengal would be gung ho, coming into this at the back end of an undefeated run of 6 games.
At this juncture, both teams would be looking forward to field their strongest line-up as they look to secure a key advantage in the league table. From the eligible players, here are top five players who will make the difference between the winning and losing team.
#5 Mehtab Hossain
The East Bengal veteran has been involved in numerous derbies, having turned out for both the teams during his illustrious career. As a result, he possesses the incisive acumen to go about a high voltage clash like the Kolkata derby.
With oodles of experience in his resume, Mehtab would impart solidarity and cohesion in the East Bengal central midfield. He should be fresh after sitting out in the previous match, owing to a suspension. The holding midfielder will have an added role to shut out the Mohun Bagan attack and play the extra man in deep defence.
East Bengal’s fortunes will be riding a lot on the 31-year old’s performance.
#4 Katsumi Yusa
Another man who has by now featured already got a whiff of the passion in a Kolkata derby, Katsumi Yusa can be hailed as a veteran of the Green and Maroon brigade. A generally cool customer, the slick attacking player can don a number of roles, making him a critical player for his side.
Be it on the wings or as a number 10, Katsumi is agile enough to fit into any position seamlessly. The outcome of the match will be largely dependent on the form of this diminutive Japanese player. If he manages to grab a hold of the game, then it will be a torrid time for the East Bengal defence to contain Mohun Bagan. His precision passing and quick movements can often put the opposition in a frenzied mood. Mohun Bagan would be looking up to this man to make the most of his experience.
#3 Willis Deon Plaza
The breakthrough striker from the Caribbean Islands, Willis Deon Plaza has established himself as a force to reckon within six appearances for the Red and Gold. His towering presence in the box combined with his immaculate first touch would definitely pose a cause for concern for the Mohun Bagan defence
Having already scored five goals, Plaza has become a fan favourite with the East Bengal supporters. And the fans will be looking up to the talismanic striker to harbour their team to a victory over their arch rivals.
#2 Sony Norde
The name says it all. The arrival of the Haiti international has changed the fortunes of the Mariners in the last couple of years. And he doesn’t seem to be in the mood to stop anytime soon. Coming back from an impressive display against Colombo FC, Sony Norde will be the key personnel for the Mariners. His wing play makes him dangerous in the channels and his goal scoring prowess provides an added edge to his gameplay.
This time the Haitian will have added motivation as he faces his national team counterpart Wedson Anselme donning the Red and Gold jersey. But the 27-year old is not inclined to acknowledge this match as a personal rivalry and is itching to put on his best show for the club. And the Mohun Bagan fans will be hoping to see this man replicate his last match’s form in this season’s first Kolkata derby.
#1 Robin Singh
This name is sure to raise some eyebrows but one look at his goal scoring record in the Kolkata derby will quell the sceptics. The brawny striker has five goals in this fixture, which is more than any other Indian player in the current decade. He might not be the most skillful of the current crop but his imposing physique brings that extra edge to the table.
The derby will be the platform for the Noida boy to prove his mettle and settle the scores for good. This is the opportunity for the ex-Tata Football Academy product to make his case for proving himself to be the best Indian striker in recent times. With selection for the national team looming ahead, this fixture can prove to be the springboard, the 26-year-old needs to seal his place.
