5 players to watch out for in FC Goa vs Atletico De Kolkata

by Siddharth Yadav October 7, 2015

With Indian Super League (ISL) continues from where it stopped last year, there were plenty of players in the first round of Indian Super League who made their presence felt in their own different way.

Prior to FC Goa vs Atletico De Kolkata match, here are five players from this fixture to look out for:

5. Iain Hume (Atletico De Kolkata)

The Canadian played an integral role for Kerala Blasters last season. Iain’s impact on Kerala last season was jubilant, right from the start he made his presence fell in front of thousands of fans and viewers. He scored five goals last time around where he carried Kerala Blasters to the final of Indian Super League, eventually Kerala ended up on losing side where they lost 1-0 against Atletico De Kolkata.

Hume was one of the best performers in the first season of Indian Super League which attracted the defending champions, Atletico De Kolkata. Later this year, Iain Hume joined Atletico De Kolkata and marked his debut with an assist against Chennaiyin FC.

4. Romeo Fernandes (FC Goa)

In the very first of Goa this season, Romeo won the hearts of many fans after some scintillating performance against Delhi Dynamos.

The 23 year old winger from Goa ran the show against Delhi in their first match where they defeated Dynamos 2-0. With his partner in crime, Mandar Rao Desai, both Romeo and Mandar caused serious threats to Delhi Dynamos defenders, especially both the fullbacks.

It was Romeo himself who assisted the first goal where his cross met Mandar Rao Desai who slotted it home to take the lead.

Romeo is a natural dribbler, he bombarded from the right wing and gave Adinga and John Arne Riise a hard time in their first match.

3. Borja Fernandez (Atletico De Kolkata)

Borja played a key role in the team’s ISL win last season. He continued his superb form from where he stopped last year.

The experienced ex Real Madrid midfielder led the team efficiently, with a steely performance in the midfield. His ability to dispossessed and block the opponent’s free balls was exceptional in their first match against Chennaiyin FC.

Although it seemed he was not up to the mark during the last moments of the match which might be a fatigue or fitness concern.

2. Mandar Rao Desai (FC Goa)

The 23 year old left winger has powerful acceleration and quick feet which he uses to get away with full-backs.

He and Romeo gave a standout performance against Delhi Dynamos which gained positive appreciation for Mandar, himself and his team. He scored the first goal of FC Goa this season where he slotted his effort from Romeo Fernandes low cross.

Mandar can cause a serious threat to Atletico De Kolkata full-backs tonight.

1. Lucio (FC Goa)

The victory against Delhi Dynamos in the first match was much credited to their wingers, Romeo Fernandes and Mandar Rao Desai’s performance but the stalwart of their team was nothing short of perfection.

Lucio and Gregory Arnolin both proved to be a solid rock against Delhi Dynamos attackers.

The Goan defense was a completely different story. Ex Bayern and Inter centre back, Lucio and Arnolin were beast that night, where only moment of panic came when Dynamos hit the bar twice in a matter of seconds from John Arne Riise and Florent Malouda, but other than that, the Lucio-led defense were solid and looked unthreatened. Both centre-backs showed their experience and class.

The Brazilian is filled with experience and technique as he was ranked among the best defenders while he was in peak. It will surely need a perfectly executed move to break Goa’s defense.