Kerala Blasters 2-1 Bengaluru FC: 5 Talking Points & Tactical Analysis | ISL 2019-20

#4 Udanta’s form continues to desert him

Udanta again looked devoid of confidence

Over the past couple of seasons, Udanta Singh has been quite influential for Bengaluru FC, meaning that he has established himself as a vital cog in the Blues’ wheel. However, that trend has failed to materialize in 2019-20, thereby posing a significant quandary for Carles Cuadrat.

A few weeks ago, the Spanish manager emphasized that Udanta retained the trust of the club and that his form was bound to change for the better. In fact, to that end, the winger even popped up with a few promising moments, immediately in the aftermath of those comments.

Yet, against Kerala on Saturday, Udanta again looked a shadow of his former self. More importantly, he seemed a player that looked entirely devoid of confidence.

At times, the forward’s dribbling let him down whereas on other occasions, he just wasn’t brave enough to make the requisite runs to open up space. However, rather alarmingly, he failed to showcase the requisite composure when accorded opportunities to make a difference.

In the first half, the Indian was released by Nili and the former bore down on goal. Bilal Khan found himself in no man’s land and had presented the winger with the chance to take the ball around the keeper or even, dink it over him. Yet, Udanta took a touch too many, meaning that the defenders crowded him out and rid the Blues of the advantage.

The pattern continued after the break as well when the winger decided to cut onto his right foot, instead of whipping the ball with his left boot towards the onrushing Nili.

Throughout the current campaign, Bengaluru FC have faced plenty of problems trying to make the net bulge. Unsurprisingly, they’ve looked too dependent on a certain Sunil Chhetri.

And, as long as Udanta’s form keeps deserting him, Cuadrat might have to think of other avenues to relieve the pressure off his talismanic striker.