Follow Us
Kerala Blasters FC had a mixed 2022-23 campaign as they reached back-to-back Indian super League (ISL) playoffs for the first time ever but failed to get past arch rivals Bengaluru FC in the playoff match following an unceremonious walkoff led by head coach Ivan Vukomanovic at Sree Kaneetrava Stadium. The Yellow Army were handed a 3-0 defeat, a hefty fine was imposed on the team head coach Vukomanovic has been banned from the sidelines for ten matches. After a disappointing end to the ISL, the Tuskers were eliminated in the group stages of the Hero Super Cup, once again losing out to the Blues in the crucial group stage fixture at EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode.
Despite another season without a silverware, the Serbian tactician has done a brilliant job of getting the best out of the limited resources at his disposal. Lack of depth in the squad was one of the main reasons why the Yellow Army struggled towards the end of the league campaign. Injuries to defenders Sandeep Singh and Marko Leskovic cause them badly in the fag end of the season as they recorded six defeats and two wins from their final eight league-matches. Vukomanovic is well aware about the shortcomings of his team and the management has already started their preparations for the 2023-24 season. The club has parted ways with experienced full-backs Jessel Carneiro and Harmanjot Khabra and are looking for young blood in that position. Dimitrios Diamantakos, who was their top goalscorer with 10 ISL goals last term, has signed a contract extension that will keep his in Kochi till 2024. On that note, lets look at three Indian players Blasters could target this summer.
Aibanbha Dohling was one of FC Goa’s bright spots in a disappointing league season that saw 2019-20 champions failing to qualify for the playoffs under the stewardship of Carlos Pena. The versatile defender was a key players in Pena’s plans and was often used in different positions at the back. The 27-year-old was quite often deployed at the right back position although he is predominantly a central defender. He is good with both the feet’s, has got decent pace and his arrival will allow Vukomanovic to switch to a three at the back formation if needed. Dohling’s contract with the Gaurs is set to end this season, therefore the Blasters should be all over the former Shillong Lajong FC defender during the transfer season.
Kerala Blasters have been reportedly interested in Ishan Pandita for some time now, but the deal never happened because of various reasons. The Jamshedpur FC striker had a below par 2022-23 campaign as he started only five ISL matches for JFC and found the back of the net only two times. The 24-year-old has all the ingredients to become a potent goal-scorer. He is strong in the air, has got a powerful right foot and can bully the defenders with his muscular physique. The Indian international just needs a bit more composure in front of goal which he will get by playing more games. The striker is in search of quality game-time and if Vukomanovic can find a way to accommodate the 1.83 m tall forward alongside Diamantakos they could form a lethal strike partnership. Pandita has got great upper body strength and is good at hold up play, which will allow the likes of Adrian Luna and Sahal Abdul Samad to flourish around him in a 4-4-2 set up.
KBFC right-back Sandeep Singh got injured in the midst of last season and missed the remainder of the campaign and Vukomanovic struggled to replace the Manipuri lad and often had to deploy midfielder Ayush Adhikari in that position. Sandeep’s pace and physical prowess contributed largely in the team’s success during the middle phase of the season. Therefore the management will be looking to sign a pacey full-back who could add more competition in that right-back position. Shubham Sarangi looks like a very good option available in the market as the 22-year-olds’ contract with the Hero Super Cup champions Odisha FC has expired on March 31, 2023. Sarangi started with Delhi Dynamos FC in 2018-19, featuring nine times for the former Delhi-based club before they moved base to Odisha. In 2019-20, the fullback almost doubled the count from last season, clocking 1409 minutes in his 17 appearances. Making 97 clearances, the pacey fullback averaged 36 passes per game and went on to make 81 successful tackles as well. Although, Sarangi didn’t have a great 2022-23 season, having played just 654 minutes of ISL football, the youngster is undoubtedly one of the brightest prospects up for grabs.
More football news:
Dimitrios Diamantakos: Greek striker extends Kerala Blasters FC stay till 2024
Real Sociedad vs Girona: La Liga Records, Stats, Head to Head and everything to know
Mallorca vs Cadiz: La Liga Records, Stats, Head to Head and everything to know
