ISL 2015: Why Roberto Carlos must opt for the experienced Hans Mulder ahead of Vinicius

Mulder or Vinicius? Carlos has to make the right choice

Delhi Dynamos find themselves inches away from the playoff spot in the second edition of the Hero Indian Super League, and a win against NorthEast United could be all that they need to assure their status as the final four of the competition.

The two sides met a few weeks back when despite being the better side for the majority of the game, the Highlanders had to come from behind right at the death to steal a point of Roberto Carlos’s men. Now as we enter the climax of the season and with both side’s desperate to seal progression, both Cesar Farias and Carlos will know that they cannot afford any more hiccups.

The side from the capital were handed a reality check in their previous game by Chennaiyin FC, who put four past the Dynamos defense, that at times has been hard to breach. The back five hardly looked in co-ordination and individual errors led to the demise of The Lions. While the blame has been taken by the backline, there is no denying that Carlos too must share the fault for what looked like a rather naive team setup.

While the introduction of a more zealous and pacy Vinicius has definitely added more pace and guile in the attack, which was evident against FC Pune City, his lack of defensive positioning left the team exposed during counter attacks.

Against Marco Materazzi’s men, the Brazilian was at fault for the opener which allowed Mendoza full space to target Anas Edathodika and Antonio Doblas. Mendoza later tormented Souvik Chakraborty on the right back position who was left open by the foot-volley player.

This was a rather rare sight as the side looked more settled both at the back and while going forward under the calm presence of Hans Mulder. The former Real Sociedad midfielder is amongst the two international stars who has managed to keep his place from last season, but the 29-year old now finds himself consigned to the bench from the last two games.

Mulder provides defensive solidity for Delhi to build on

Mulder’s late cameo in the previous game made sure that there was a more defensive presence for the side alongside Chicao as Dynamos looked themselves towards the end of the game at the Marina Arena. Chicao, time and time again was asked to cover the entire breadth of the pitch and despite the former Corinthians star being one of the recruits of the tournament, it came as a huge task even for him.

While Vinicius showed his attacking prowess in the three-man midfield against Pune, he was outclassed by Chennai who tamed the youngster very well, rarely allowing him space to work on.

With Mulder in the side, it will allow Carlos to go back to his usual 4-2-3-1 formation that provides a more settled double pivot both in terms of attack and defense. The tournament has reached such a stage where neither of the two managers can afford mistakes, and Carlos should learn from his faults in the previous game.

The Brazilian named an un-changed lineup, and the burn-out amongst the players was evident as even Florent Malouda was called off for the first time this season. The Frenchman who has been the anchorman for the side rarely imposed himself when going forward and Chennaiyin took advantage of the weak and tired Delhi legs to score on the counter.

With Farias’s side already showing Carlos how well they can dominate the game in the center of the park, when the two side’s met last. With the likes of Seityasen Singh and Diomansy Kamara waiting to pounce on any opportunity they see, Carlos should use the more efficient and experienced Mulder from the start, to provide more stability in the side.