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Despite all the optimism surrounding East Bengal FC (EBFC) for the 2022-23 season, the Kolkata heavyweights suffered another underwhelming campaign across all competitions.
The appointment of Stephen Constantine, an experienced campaigner in the Indian circuit, as their head coach and some big-money moves in the transfer market showed glimpses of promise in pre-season.
However, once the football action got underway starting with the Durand Cup, where they were knocked out in the group stages, and then the Indian Super League, the frailties of the side appeared immediately.
The Red and Gold Brigade suffered 13 losses throughout the league season, finishing ninth. More misery awaited for the Torchbearers in the Super Cup, where they were eliminated after losing points from winning positions in all three group-stage matches.
But unlike the previous years, East Bengal have been swift this year as they regroup for the next campaign. They have already secured Carles Cuadrat as their new manager and if reports are to be believed, Edwin Sydney Vanspaul and Nandhakumar Sekar have already joined the team. However, they still need a lot of firepower to turn their squad into a competitive one.
On that note, here are three Indian players East Bengal can sign to refresh their squad ahead of the 2023-24 season:
#3 Vinit Rai (Central midfielder)
On loan from Odisha FC, Vinit Rai has been a fugacious character in the record-breaking Mumbai City FC side this season. He made only four starts in the ISL 2022-23 season, with Des Buckingham preferring Apuia Ralte and Rowllin Borges in midfield.
However, the 25-year-old has always shown his quality while playing for Odisha FC. He is one of the elite deep-lying playmakers in the country and is in the final weeks of his contract. If East Bengal can persuade him to join their brigade, the Kolkata Giants will get a good midfield boost ahead of the new season.
With EBFC's Indian midfield contingent currently slim, Vinit would immediately fit in and get ample playing time to prove his worth.
#2 Ricky Lallawmawma (Left-back)
Ricky Lallawmawma has been crucial for the Jamshedpur FC side and has been one of the positives in an otherwise underwhelming season. The veteran full-back started all the matches of the ISL 2022-23 season and played every single minute.
Lallawmawma could solve East Bengal's left-back problems given the Torchbearers have experimented with a couple of players this season.
The 31-year-old is a player who likes to get involved in the action, as seen by the fact that he made the most completed passes and had the most touches among JFC players this past campaign.
#1 Parthib Gogoi (Right-winger)
It's no secret that NorthEast United FC experienced one of their poorest spells in the recently-concluded season. However, amidst the struggles, there is one young player who has truly shone - Parthib Gogoi.
The 19-year-old was a consistent attacking threat with his unwavering work rate. He played 18 matches in the ISL, scoring three goals and assisting once.
Signing Gogoi won't be an easy task for EBFC, however, as he is contracted to NEUFC till 2025. The Kolkata side will have to pay a hefty fee to secure his signing.
