#3 Raphael Augusto
The Brazilian was a part of the double pivot in Chennaiyin’s midfield last season alongside Harmonjot Khabra, but with Bruno Pelissari’s departure, he might have to take on a more attacking role. He was sent on loan from Brazilian Serie A giants Fluminense in 2015, who have released him this year and Materazzi made no delay in lapping him up on a free transfer.
Augusto is brilliant in regaining possession and can contribute effectively in both attack and defence, so that is an added bonus. His midfield heroics were second to none, and he was one of their standout players although he was injured halfway in the middle of last season.
Raphael loves the fans here and was all smiles when he was asked about his return to India. In fact, he claimed that out of all his playing stints outside Brazil, his stint for the team from “The City of Thalaiva” was the best one. The former Fluminense man will hope that this time around he will be able to make a more permanent impact on the squad.
