Midfielders
RM: Mohammed Rafique
The Kolkata-born Mohammed Rafique is best known for scoring the winner for Atletico de Kolkata in the final of the inaugural Indian Super League in against his new team, the Kerala Blasters. Rafique, 24, has had a good year saw far, he made his full India debut and is currently part of the plans of National coach Stephan Constantine.
Kerala Blasters get themselves a good winger, who can also play in the middle of the park or in the attack, but surely his strength is to use the wings and get the ball into the middle to his strikers.
CM: Mehtab Hossain
East Bengal’s anchor-man in midfield, Mehtab Hossain is one of the kingpins of Indian football for both club and country. The tough-as-nails player started his career as an attacking midfielder before former red & gold coach Philippe De Ridder pitch forked him into the defensive midfielder position which he has turned into his calling card. Mehtab has been dubbed by his fans the ‘Claude Makelele of Indian football’ for his ferocious tackling and 100 percent commitment on the pitch.
Former mentor Trevor Morgan showed immense faith in his unquestioned abilities by drafting him as his first pick during the ISL domestic player draft in 2014. The defensive midfield maestro has been with the Blasters since the inaugural edition of the Hero ISL and has made 22 appearances for them heading into Hero ISL 2016.
LM: CK Vineeth
The 28-year-old local lad comes into the Blasters squad after successfully helping Bengaluru FC reach the AFC Cup semifinal for the first time in club history. He netted the solitary goal for his team as they went past Tampines Rovers of Singapore in the quarter-finals to book their place in the semifinal.
The attacking midfield player has the ability to tear down any defense on his day and is expected to continue with his rich vein of form.
AM: Michael Chopra
After a disappointed start to his ISL career, Michael is back in the fray to prove a point or two. Unlike the previous season he has proven his fitness to the management and is expected to don the yellow jersey.
Also Read: Michael Chopra says Indian coach Constantine has achieved nothing as a player
Though a striker by trade, Chopra could well be the playmaker Blasters have been long searching for, serving as the offensive pivot of the team. With the abundant experience and ability to read the game, makes him the automatic choice for the position.
