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#2 More urgency needed on the midfield
Ahead of East Bengal’s every press conference, there is one question that is reserved for Mahmoud Al-Amna. Monday was no different and when the gaffer was asked about Amna’s condition, he simply said what he’s been saying for the last couple of months, “He is training well, working hard. But we don’t know when he will be match fit.”
It’s true that East Bengal are seriously missing a playmaker like Amna. He was at the heart of East Bengal’s midfield last season. But after the injury which he sustained during the pre-season training camp in Malaysia, time is running out for the Syrian. There’s been a murmur inside the club that Amna will be released by the club if he fails to get fit before the next week.
Considering Amna’s age, it will take more time from him to recuperate. Kassim Aidara too has fallen out of favour after his dismal performance against Aizawl. So the question is who will take up the responsibility in the midfield?
East Bengal coach has shuffled his midfield in all the matches. But apart from Lalrindika Ralte, everyone failed to impress. With Kamalpreet Singh, Yami Longvah and Brandon Vanlalremdika, East Bengal have some youngest talents at their disposal but the constant tinkering might have lowered their confidence.
However, to get a hand on the title, East Bengal midfielders need to show more urgency on the pitch. There needs to be player who supplies the ball to the strikers, which Amna does quite easily. Also, there needs to be someone who will hold the ball and keep the shape on midfield.
Minerva will definitely try to make use of this opportunity. Their coach Paul Munster said, “I wouldn’t pick any specific player of them (East Bengal). But I have seen the number nine (Enrique Esqueda) and our players will definitely keep an eye on him. But apart from him, I haven’t seen any player whom we would fear.”
