ISL 2019-20: 3 Reasons why FC Goa will win the ISL

#2 Goa’s ability to control games in midfield

Over the past couple of seasons, FC Goa have strengthened their reputation as arguably the best midfield unit across the ISL. To put things into perspective, the likes of Ahmed Jahouh and Lenny Rodrigues have starred in the centre of the park and have subsequently, made it much tougher for their oppositions to impose themselves.

The pairing has usually been able to control the tempo of matches and has laid the platform for the attacking players to express themselves. At times, Goa have been under the cosh, especially away from home. But, Jahouh and Lenny’s tendency to take the sting out of the game has enabled the Gaurs to establish a foothold in midfield.

Additionally, the duo enjoys an extraordinary understanding, meaning that they are regularly able to wear the opposition down by the sheer number of passes they play.

Before the Gaurs’ final encounter against Jamshedpur FC, Jahouh and Lenny averaged more than 50 passes per game, thereby emphasizing their importance to the side.

Apart from the aforementioned partnership, players of the ilk of Boumous and Brandon also frequently drop into midfield, in the process, forming passing triangles, which help them wriggle away from tight situations.

Moreover, apart from Bengaluru FC, none of the other teams seem capable of dominating the middle third against the Gaurs, especially considering the variety the latter brings to the fore.

Thus, it seems highly unlikely that Clifford Miranda’s outfit would be outplayed in midfield, even when confronting the league’s finest in the semi-finals.