Table of Contents
- Hook: Can Mohun Bagan Make History?
- Background: The Journey So Far
- Goalkeepers: Safe Hands or Worrying Depth?
- Defense: Backbone or Achilles' Heel?
- Midfield: Strong, But Vulnerable?
- Forwards: The Firepower to Dominate?
- Tactics and Strategy: The Molina Factor
- Key Challenges: Can They Survive Without a Foreign Defensive Midfielder?
- Prediction: The Road to Glory or Despair?
- FAQs
Can Mohun Bagan Make History?
The most anticipated question as the Indian Super League (ISL) season approaches is this: Will Mohun Bagan Super Giants (MBSG) become the first ISL team to successfully defend their ISL Shield title? The stakes are stronger than ever for this side, which has never accomplished this accomplishment in the history of the league. Mohun Bagan is set for a pivotal moment as a result of recent additions to their roster, a new head coach, and increased accountability following their AFC Champions League participation. Do they possess what it takes, though?
The Journey So Far
Mohun Bagan shown a combination of tactical skill and perseverance by winning the ISL Shield and making it to the ISL Cup final last season. The team made the decision to drastically alter their roster in spite of their achievements, especially with regard to the international players. Hector Yuste, Hugo Boumous, Armando Sadiku, Brendan Hamill, and Hector Hamill were among the five important foreigners they sold. They have some intriguing candidates in their place, including Australian defender Tom Aldred and Spanish center-back Albert Rodriguez. This season will be even more important since the club will have to do well in the AFC Champions League.
Safe Hands or Worrying Depth?
The first-choice goalie for Mohun Bagan is still Vishal Kaith, the hero of their recent penalty shootout victory. Given his reliable work, the management's choice to keep him on board seems obvious. But realizing they needed a strong backup, they signed FC Goa's Dheeraj Singh, an Indian youth representative. With a lengthy season filled with tournaments, having Singh as a solid backup might be essential if Kaith sustains an injury.
Defense: Backbone or Achilles' Heel?
Mohun Bagan is worried about the defense line, especially the center-back positions. They want to add Albert Rodriguez and Tom Aldred to replace the void caused by the loss of important defenders like Brendan Hamill and Hector Yuste. Aldred from Australia's A-League and Rodriguez from the Indonesian league both have strong resumes. Their preseason play hasn't been very impressive, though, and a lot will rely on how fast they integrate into the defensive scheme of the squad.
Moreover, the loss of Indian center-back Anwar Ali has increased the expectation on the foreign pair to play regularly. In their absence, young Indian defenders like as Ravi Rana, Sumit Rathi, and Deependu Biswas will need to step up. Putting your trust in these young people might turn out to be a wise move or a foolish one.
Midfield: Strong, But Vulnerable?
Anirudh Thapa, a talented Indian midfielder who offers both creativity and steadiness, is the centerpiece of MBSG's midfield. Players that complement him include Apuya, Deepak Tangri, and Sahal Abdul Samad, each of whom has a unique set of skills. The absence of a competent foreign defensive midfielder, a position that is vital in the ISL, is still a major worry. Following the addition of international defensive midfielder Jonathas de Jesus last season, their play significantly improved. Their ability to control the center of the park is still in doubt in the absence of a comparable figure this season.
The Firepower to Dominate?
The team's strongest position is definitely up front, where star players like Australian striker Jamie Maclaren are a feature. Maclaren, an A-League transfer, is anticipated to follow in the footsteps of top scorer Jason Cummings from the previous year. However, Mohun Bagan's attack may suffer from "too many cooks" syndrome, where a glut of alternatives may cause confusion and a lack of focus in offensive play, especially with Petar Slišković, Greg Stewart, and Liston Colaco among their attacking possibilities.
Tactics and Strategy: The Molina Factor
It is anticipated that Mohun Bagan would stick with a 3-5-2 shape under new head coach Jose Francisco Molina, who is renowned for his defensive discipline and tactical skill. The ISL only permits four international players to be on the pitch at once, therefore making use of foreign players will be essential. How Molina handles player rotation and deployment in the squad, particularly for positions of importance, will be crucial in determining the outcome for the club.
Key Challenges: Can They Survive Without a Foreign Defensive Midfielder?
Choosing to play without a foreign defensive midfielder will be one of Mohun Bagan's biggest obstacles. This might make them vulnerable in a league where defense and physicality are crucial, especially in high-pressure situations. They might be vulnerable to elite opponents in the ISL and AFC Champions League if they don't have a reliable foreign presence in the defensive midfield.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant 2024-25 final Squad
| Number | Player Name | Position | Age | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vishal Kaith | Goalkeeper | 28 | India |
| 12 | Dheeraj Singh | Goalkeeper | 24 | India |
| 31 | Arsh Shaikh | Goalkeeper | 22 | India |
| 24 | Syed Zahid | Goalkeeper | 21 | India |
| 5 | Tom Aldred | Centre-Back | 33 | Scotland |
| 21 | Alberto RodrÃguez | Centre-Back | 31 | Spain |
| 63 | Saurabh Bhanwala | Centre-Back | 24 | India |
| 2 | Sumit Rathi | Centre-Back | 23 | India |
| 32 | Dippendu Biswas | Centre-Back | 21 | India |
| 3 | Raj Basfore | Centre-Back | 21 | India |
| 15 | Subhasish Bose | Left-Back | 29 | India |
| - | Amandeep | Left-Back | 20 | India |
| 44 | Asish Rai | Right-Back | 25 | India |
| 77 | Ravi Rana | Right-Back | 21 | India |
| 22 | Deepak Tangri | Defensive Midfield | 25 | India |
| 33 | Glan Martins | Defensive Midfield | 30 | India |
| 71 | Salahudheen Adnan K | Midfielder | 23 | India |
| 45 | Apuia | Central Midfield | 23 | India |
| 6 | Anirudh Thapa | Central Midfield | 26 | India |
| 16 | Abhishek Suryavanshi | Central Midfield | 23 | India |
| 9 | Dimitri Petratos | Attacking Midfield | 31 | Australia |
| 18 | Sahal Abdul Samad | Attacking Midfield | 27 | India |
| 19 | Ashique Kuruniyan | Left Winger | 27 | India |
| 13 | Ningombam Engson Singh | Right Winger | 21 | India |
| 50 | Taison Singh | Right Winger | 20 | India |
| 29 | Jamie Maclaren | Centre-Forward | 31 | Australia |
| 35 | Jason Cummings | Centre-Forward | 29 | Australia |
| 11 | Manvir Singh | Centre-Forward | 28 | India |
| 17 | Liston Colaco | Centre-Forward | 25 | India |
| 10 | Greg Stewart | Centre-Forward | 34 | Scotland |
| 27 | Md Fardin Ali Molla | Centre-Forward | 22 | India |
| 72 | Suhail Ahmad Bhat | Centre-Forward | 19 | India |
Mohun Bagan Super Giant ISL 2024-25 Fixtures
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Projections: The Path to Triumph or Tragedy?
Mohun Bagan is probably going to be one of the strongest teams again this season for the ISL Shield because of their depth in the squad and Jose Francisco Molina's tactical acumen. But the preseason defensive shortcomings and their lack of a foreign defensive midfielder might tilt the scales against them at key times. They are predicted to place in the top four, but unless their new additions adjust fast and play up to their potential, retaining their title could be too much to ask.
FAQs
1. Who are Mohun Bagan's new signings for the 2024-25 season?
Mohun Bagan has brought in key signings, including Albert Rodriguez, Tom Aldred, Jamie Maclaren, and Anirudh Thapa.
2. What formation is expected under their new head coach?
Jose Francisco Molina is likely to deploy a 3-5-2 formation, focusing on defensive stability and quick transitions.
3. Can Mohun Bagan defend their ISL Shield title?
While they have a strong squad, their chances depend on how quickly new players adapt and the effectiveness of their tactics without a foreign defensive midfielder.
