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For the football-crazy fans of Calcutta, no joy can overwhelm the one witnessing their team obliterating their rivals in the Kolkata Derby. The East Bengal fans only satiate when they see Mohun Bagan fans put their hand above their head in despair. The Mariners' thirst only quenches when they see the Red and Gold fans crying in agony.
However, for either of those to happen, the players of the respective clubs must step up. In the Kolkata Derby, these fans rest all their hopes in them. If they score a goal, produce a goal-line clearance, or orchestrate the midfield perfectly, they become their demi-god. But, if they miss a sitter, concede penalties unnecessarily, or throw away possessions, they become their villain.
Without any further ado, here are 5 players who will play a key role in the Kolkata Derby. Sony Norde of Mohun Bagan would have been the No 1 key player of the match but there are doubts over whether he will play this Sunday.
ALSO READ: Injury woes - Sony Norde for Mohun Bagan, Enrique Esqueda for East Bengal
#5 Yuta Kinowaki - Mohun Bagan
After a lot of trial and errors, East Bengal coach Alejandro Menendez finally found the right midfield combination in the form of Kasim Aidara and Lalrindika Ralte. Mohun Bagan, too, has shuffled their midfield pairing with Sourav Das and Omar Elhusseiny swapping themselves continuously in the starting line-up.
However, one man has made all the appearances for Sankarlal Chakraborty's side and, he is none other than Yuta Kinowaki. The Japanese reminds the Mariners of Katsumi Yusa who was pivotal in helping them win the 2014-15 season of I-League.
Mohun Bagan, usually, attack through the wings with the responsibility lying on Pintu Mahata, Sony Norde, Abhishek Ambekar, and Arijit Bagui to create scoring opportunities. East Bengal, on the other hand, will attack through the centre of the park with their fluid passing.
Yuta Kinowaki will shoulder the responsibility of stopping the attacks with either Sourav Das or Omar Elhusseiny. The former Shillong Lajong player will also ensure that the pace of the game slows down as East Bengal like to play it quick.
#4 Lalrindika Ralte - East Bengal
It is great to see Lalrindika Ralte don the jersey of East Bengal after trying his luck in various ISL clubs. The attacking midfielder had served the Red and Golds from 2012 to 2017, playing 93 matches and scoring 20 goals.
The Mizo is known for stepping up for the Red and Golds on the big occasions. Whether it be scoring four goals for East Bengal in the 2013 AFC Cup or, delivering the crucial assist to Laldanmawia Ralte in the recent CFL Kolkata Derby, Lalrindika Ralte has always lived up to the expectations.
One ought to note that in the previous clash between the two sides, it was his introduction that changed the complexion of the game. Mohun Bagan exploited Kamalpreet Singh in the midfield and, East Bengal was on the backfoot. The Technical Director Subhash Bhowmick brought him in place of the misfiring Kamalpreet at the 40th minute and, they got control of the game.
Lalrindika Ralte might not have the dream run he enjoyed previously with East Bengal, but his experience will cover it more or less.
#3 Aser Dipanda Dicka - Mohun Bagan
In the previous I-League Kolkata Derby between the two sides, Dipanda Dicka's brace separated East Bengal and Mohun Bagan. The Cameroonian drew first blood for the Mariners at the 55th-second after heading in Akram Moghrabi's cross.
At the 35th minute, Dipanda unleashed an acrobatic volley after goalkeeper Baretto fumbled to collect the ball. Tears trickled down the eyes of Dipanda as he couldn't control his joyous emotion.
This season, he has already found the back of the net thrice, scoring one against Real Kashmir and twice against Indian Arrows. Dipanda Dicka will play centrally with Sony Norde and Pintu Mahata assisting him from the wings, both of whom are doing their job brilliantly.
Should he overcome the challenge of Borja Perez and Salam Ranjan Singh, he could slam the ball past the goalkeeper.
#2 Jobby Justin - East Bengal
Jobby Justin is proving to be one of the standout Indian players in the 2018-19 Hero I-League. The Keralite is the leading Indian goalscorer, having found the back of the net four times in six appearances.
In the previous I-League encounter against Gokulam Kerala, he set up Brandon Vanlalremdika for the first goal before himself taking the credit at the 14th minute. Almost all the attacks from the Red and Golds came through him and, his partnership with Lalrindika Ralte in the first half was difficult for the Gokulam defenders to contain.
The defenders have a hard time tracking down his pace and unpredictable movements. Lalchawnkima and Kingsley Obumneme need to be constantly on their toes to keep Jobby Justin in check.
With the rumours of Enrique Esqueda missing the Kolkata Derby due to the injury he sustained against Gokulam Kerala being rife, the onus will be on Jobby Justin to score goals.
#1 Henry Kisekka (Mohun Bagan)
Henry Kisekka embarked his journey in India by signing with Gokulam FC last season at the winter transfer window. He rattled the back of the net four times in seven appearances for the Malabarians.
Both the Kolkata giants are known for luring the standout performers onto their side with money. Henry Kisseka was no exception as he changed his loyalty to Mohun Bagan.
The Ugandan also knows to handle the pressure in the 'Boro match' as he scored against East Bengal in the CFL Derby. So far in the I-League, he has provided three assists and scored one goal for the Mariners, directly being involved in four out of the seven goals.
Henry Kisekka will play behind Dipanda Dicka and will be orchestrating the attack. If Borja Perez and Salam Ranjan Singh can keep him at bay, they will cut out the supply towards the wingers and strikers and see out any major threats.
