ISL 2017: 5 reasons why Mumbai City FC can win the title

After unimpressive results in the first two Indian Super League (ISL) seasons, Mumbai City FC finally came to the party in the 2016 edition, qualifying for the playoffs for the very first time. They did lose to eventual champions, ATK in the two-legged play-off tie, but by topping and dominating the league stage, the Ranbir Kapoor-owned side did win a lot of hearts.

This time Mumbai City FC will be without some serious high quality footballers like Diego Forlan, Sunil Chhetri and Sony Norde, but their replacements might do just enough to land the ISL crown.

Here are the reasons which make Mumbai City FC a title contender for the upcoming ISL 2017 season:

---

#1 Alexandre Guimaraes’ presence

Alexandre Guimaraes (Pic Courtesy: Mumbai City FC)

While most of the ISL sides parted ways with their head coaches, Guimaraes was retained by the Mumbai City FC management, a decision which was obvious after the Costa Rican’s exploits in 2016. His attacking yet conservative style of football brought about results and he is surely the right man who can take the squad one step ahead this time around.

Unlike the newly recruited head coaches, Guimaraes has already got a hang of this league and it shouldn’t take him much time to get this squad settled. He is a no-nonsense guy but at the same time doesn’t put the blame of a defeat on his squad.

“I am responsible for the loss, the players gave their best and I will derive satisfaction from the fact that we topped the league stage,” Guimaraes had said after his side was eliminated by ATK, last year. This attitude is infectious and vital for a squad to be successful.

#2 Lucian Goian and Gerson Vieira again in the heart of defence

Lucian Goian (L) and Gerson Vieira (Pic Courtesy: Mumbai City FC)

These two center-backs played 30 matches between themselves last season and Mumbai have done well to persist with them. While Goian registered the most number of successful tackles – 79, amongst all players in 2016, both scored one goal apiece which proves that they are well equipped to do more than their actual job.

The best part of sticking to this duo is the value which their understanding will add to the team. They know each other’s game like the back of their hands and that would give solidity to the defensive line.

#3 Retention of Amrinder Singh

Amrinder Singh (Pic Courtesy: Mumbai City FC)

The Punjab lad is surely one of the best goalkeepers in the country at this point of time and therefore it doesn’t require rocket science to understand why Mumbai didn’t let him sign for Bengaluru FC, with whom he played in the I-League.

Five clean sheets out of the six games that Amrinder played for Mumbai City FC last season bear testimony to the fact that this shot-stopper isn’t an easy nut to crack. His judgment while dealing with long crosses in the box and quick reflexes make him Guimaraes’ most reliable weapon even before the ball is set rolling.

#4 Creative midfield

Sehnaj Singh (Pic Courtesy: Mumbai City FC)

Mumbai’s midfield has an Indian touch to it with the likes of Abhinash Ruidas, Rakesh Oram, Sahil Tavora, Sanju Pradhan and Sehnaj Singh in the ranks. Barring Oram, all the others are well-established and have played enough football all over India to know the demands of the league.

Guimaraes always spoke highly about Oram’s talent and although he didn’t get many opportunities last year, Mumbai showed faith in him by not letting him go to the draft.

Tavora grabbed eyeballs playing for FC Goa. Along with Ruidas and Pradhan, Tavora can form a midfield trio and not only do they have the ability to set up the game but also can chip in with important strikes.

Then comes the vastly experienced Sehnaj, who mostly plays in front of the defence but his pile-drivers are known to trouble the best goalkeepers.

#5 Balwant Singh, the goal-getter

Balwant Singh (Pic Courtesy: Mumbai City FC)

He may not be as flashy as Chhetri or as swift as CK Vineeth, but Balwant possesses the opportunistic attitude which makes a striker deadly. The 30-year-old has scored three goals from just four outings for the national team and was a vital cog in the wheel for Mohun Bagan in the last few years.

He is someone who will withstand rough tackles and on being presented the opportunity in the box, will get his shot on target more often than not. Mumbai City FC couldn’t have got a better replacement for the Indian captain.