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Kerala Blasters FC certainly had an eventful 2022-23 season, but it was another largely frustrating year. After making it to the final last time out, the Blasters had another strong league stage campaign, finishing fifth in the table.
It set up an enticing playoff game against bitter rivals Bengaluru FC for a spot in the semi-finals. However, they once again fell short at the final hurdle in dramatic fashion.
Sunil Chhetri’s controversial free-kick in the extra time found the back of the net, which resulted in huge consequences. Blasters head coach Ivan Vukomanovic was not content with the referee’s decision and his team stormed off the pitch in a moment of fiery frustration.
After a disappointing end to the ISL, Kerala Blasters FC were eliminated in the group stages of the Hero Super Cup, with the Blues getting the better of their rivals yet again, securing a berth in the semi-finals.
Despite another campaign without silverware, Ivan Vukomanovic has certainly laid the foundation at the club, with several players familiar with his methods. However, there are a few positions the Blasters will look to improve on, especially after the departures of Jessel Carneiro, Harmanjot Khabra, and Victor Mongil.
On that note, let’s take a look at the three players Kerala Blasters should sign to bolster their squad depth ahead of the 2023-24 season.
#1 Aibanbha Dohling (Defender)
FC Goa had an inconsistent season, with head coach Carlos Pena rotating his side regularly in search of his best combination. However, Aibanbha Dohling has been a vital part of the Gaurs, with Pena opting to start him in a right-back role.
The Blasters have lost two of their experienced full-backs, and as a result, adding Dohling to their ranks appears to be a sensible move. The 27-year-old started 19 out of the 20 games in the ISL and recorded the highest tackles among the FC Goa defenders.
Additionally, he can play across the backline, which could prove to be handy for Vukomanovic. With his contract set to end this season, the Blasters should be all over the full-back during the transfer window.
#2 Ishan Pandita (Forward)
Ivan Vukomanovic found success in his first season by playing Jorge Pereyra Diaz and Alvaro Vazquez upfront. The two strikers combined brilliantly, with Vazquez scoring nine times and Diaz finding the net on eight occasions.
It also gave Adrian Luna and Sahal Abdul Samad the license to drift into midfield and create chances for the front two. Vukomanovic, however, opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation this time around, with Dimitrios Diamantakos upfront.
While Diamantakos scored consistently, the players around him were not clinical in front of the goal. Ultimately, the burden of scoring and creating fell on Luna’s shoulders and the reliance on one player hampered the Blasters' season.
Ishan Pandita might be the solution to this problem. The Blasters could also revert to a fluid 4-4-2 system, which could get the best out of the creative players in the team.
The Jamshedpur FC striker is dynamic and possesses excellent movement in the penalty box. Additionally, he could further develop his game under Ivan Vukomanovic’s leadership.
#3 Hernan Santana (Defender)
Kerala Blasters have longed to sign Hernan Santana, but the Spaniard has slipped through their grasp on a few occasions. However, with Santana’s contract coming to an end, the Blasters could go all out to get his signature.
A move to FC Goa in the January transfer window certainly did not work out for both parties, with the defender struggling to get regular minutes under Carlos Pena. As a result, a perfect opportunity presents itself for Kerala Blasters.
Santana ticks all the boxes. The 32-year-old has the experience of winning trophies in the Indian Super League. Furthermore, he is capable of seamlessly transitioning between defense and midfield, and his technical profile is exceptional as well.
