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#3 The Gaurs’ irresistible attacking machine
In the 2018-19 league stages, FC Goa made the net ripple 36 times, which incidentally, was seven more than their nearest competitors, Bengaluru FC and Jamshedpur FC.
Thus, there existed a general consensus that the Gaurs couldn’t scale a higher offensive peak. However, over the course of the current term, they’ve emphatically put those notions to bed, en route 46 goals in the round-robin phase.
For much of the previous season, Coro represented Goa’s most potent attacking weapon. In 2019-20 though, they’ve stumbled upon Hugo Boumous, a Frenchman, who has perhaps, been even more influential than the aforementioned Spaniard.
The midfielder has been simply scintillating in between the lines and has formed the ideal link between midfield and attack. Boumous has often popped up all across the pitch and has dragged defences out of shape as a consequence.
Additionally, the Frenchman’s propensity to attract defenders towards him has freed up the likes of Brandon Fernandes and Jackichand Singh, with the latter turning in a relatively prolific season.
Elsewhere, the Gaurs have the luxury of maintaining a steady supply of crosses and creativity from the flanks. Mandar Rao Dessai and Seriton Fernandes represent handy offensive options in the full-back positions and the pair seems to possess a telepathic understanding with Brandon and Jackichand.
Furthermore, their bench, which comprises of Len Doungel and Manvir Singh, seems extremely capable of producing the goods, whenever called upon.
Most impressively though, Goa boast the requisite attacking weapons to hurt oppositions in different ways. Courtesy the presence of Boumous and Coro, the Gaurs seem a breath-taking outfit on the counter attack whereas they are equally brilliant at grinding down the opponents before scything through them.
Thus, with most other teams not covering themselves in any glory defensively, the 2018-19 finalists seem primed to go all the way. And, rather fittingly, it could be their much-vaunted attack that does the trick.
