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So, here goes the thread on Bengaluru FC, after much delay. Bengaluru FC have focused all their attention on signing a top-notch striker. Miku obviously is top of that list, but terms have not been agreed. Of course, there is money to consider, but can Miku be the same player?
Since Miku left the club, Bengaluru have tried three different foreign strikers – Jamaican international Kevaughn Frater, Deshorn Browne and Manuel Onwu. None of them have been able to fill his boots.
Last season, Bengaluru missed a genuine goal-getter and paid a big price, failing to win a trophy for the first time since inception. No wonder, BFC are willing to wait, until they sign the perfect striker.
If Bengaluru were in a hurry to fill that position, they could have so easily signed Igor Angulo, Bartholomew Ogbeche, Ferran Corominas, Gary Hooper, a leading striker from Brazil playing in Mexico or an Argentinean. They’ve waited, and for a very good reason.
While BFC wait for their target man, it’s interesting to see what’s happening at the back. Ajith Kumar will be a straightforward replacement for Nishu Kumar, who joined Kerala Blasters, and if he takes time to adjust, Aashique Kuruniyan will be an option.
Since the start in 2013, Bengaluru FC have always played with two central defenders. There was John Johnson-Curtis Osano, Johnson-Juanan, Juanan-Serran. But something tells me, Carles Cuadrat could opt for only one foreigner in defence.
With Pratik, Bheke and Khabra all flexible in defence and experienced hands, I won’t be surprised if there is an Indian in central defence. A defensive lineup of Khabra, Bheke, Juanan and Ajith wouldn’t look bad and provide BFC with real firepower upfront.
That’s also one of the reason why I feel BFC are trying hard to sign Sandesh Jhingan. That’s like one guaranteed spot in defence and frees up space on top for attacking foreign players.
Dimas Delgado and Erik Partalu will be the two central midfielders, Cleiton Silva as the No 10 with Sunil Chhetri and Udanta Singh on the wings. Add one quality striker upfront and Bengaluru could be unstoppable.
The signing of Cleiton is key for Bengaluru. He’s like the joker in the pack. He can play as No 10 or switch to left wing and allow Chhetri to play behind the striker. If, for any reason the striker is unavailable, Cleiton will effortlessly fill that slot too.
Whether Carles Cuadrat allows Sunil to play behind the striker is a different story since the India captain's defensive work is second to none. I suspect he will continue to play on the left, unless there’s a crisis.
Bengaluru have four confirmed foreign signings at the moment – Erik, Dimas, Juanan and Cleiton. There is Raphael Augusto and Browne too, but given what happened last season, I will be surprised if they have a role to play again.
Assuming there are four foreigners and the fifth is a striker, BFC may still sign a foreign defender as back-up. I don’t see him playing regularly, even if you consider that BFC have always preferred a foreign duo in defence. That’s my hunch and I am not a coach!
From among the players who have left, Nishu is an obvious loss. That’s covered now with Ajith. Given BFC paid a transfer fee to get him, they surely know what they are doing. Prabsukhan Gill won’t be missed as Gurpreet will play most games. Club fav Ralte is back too.
Among the juniors, Suresh is the one to look out for. That boy has real talent. Then there is Edmund – who played for East Bengal – and Ajay, but keep your eyes wide open for Leon Augustine. He’s one for the future.
You cannot forget the newcomers. There is Joe Zoherliana (Aizawl), W Muirang (Gokulam Kerala) and Moya from East Bengal, all of whom would have important roles to play during the season. They may not be established names at the moment but BFC have handpicked them for a reason.
Bengaluru have a settled look to their squad, and assuming they find a good striker, they will be unstoppable. The pain of not winning anything last season will now make them the most difficult opposition.
This is a season where just strength on paper won’t work. It’s the mentality which will make a difference. Here, Bengaluru are unbeatable. A team that has the mentality of Sunil, Gurpreet, Erik, Bheke and Udanta is hard to beat. For now, I’m willing to stick my neck out for them
