Goa : Since the inception of the Indian Super League tournament, FC Goa has been one of the most consistent team in terms of their performance. By the virtue of this consistency, they topped the ISL group stage and made it to the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) Champions League.
FC Goa went on a squad overhaul during this summer, the Gaurs will be looking to start their season with optimism and zeal. The squad went a complete make-over with a new coach at the helm. The management did everything to bestow their faith upon the domestic players as well.
For the seventh edition of ISL, FC Goa has a total of 11 new signings and six players that have been promoted from the development team. They have maintained a proper blend of youth and experience in the team.
Although every member in the squad, has the potential to be a game changer. Here is a list of few youngsters to watch out for :
1. Ishan Pandita : He is one of the most interesting young prospect to look out for not only in ISL this season. The 22 year old, has played in Spain with Lorca FC, hence the playing style of the coach Juan Ferrando, is going to resonate with him.
He said after joining FC Goa,”I am an attacking player coming into the most attacking-minded team in India, so I can’t be more ecstatic.” He is the first ever Indian who had a professional contract with a La Liga club CD Leganes in 2016.
He is a forward with a strong right foot, Pandita also has a knack of making timely runs into spaces and is adept in playing on both wings as well as up front for his team.
2. Makan Chote : Chote emerged from the academy of Minerva Punjab, the 19 year old winger hugely impressed in I – League for Punjab last season and was bagged in by FC Goa. He also has experience in continental competitions, he made five appearances in Punjab’s AFC Cup campaign. He also scored twice and also assisted once in I – League last season.
3. Phrangki Buam : Buam has numbers which has awed everybody. The 22 year old Meghalaya born, has earned 4 Golden Boots with the RFYS League, by the virtue of the 34 goals he scored in just 14 games. At Shillong Lajong, he was the team’s second highest scorer with six goals. His versatile style of play attracted the sight of many, although Shillong Lajong got relegated, he grabbed the limelight and is optimistic that he will succeed with FC Goa.
4. Princeton Rebello : He is playing for his home team, which is much likely a dream come true for him. He joined the under-15 Queen Park Rangers in 2014 and in mid-2016 he joined Vasco at Goa Professional League. He also played for Indian Arrows, and in 2017 he became the member of developmental side of Goa.
Rebello debuted under Sergio Lobera, against Chennaiyin FC last season. It is expected he will get more chances this season, under Ferrando as he opted to give youth more chances.
Noteworthy mention should also go to Sarineo Fernandes, Leander D’Cunha and Sanson Pereira, these three Goan defenders who made their way to the side after consistently performing for the developmental side.
Sanson is a crafty left-back and also very adept in set pieces and overlapping runs. D’Cunha, was the captain of the FC Goa development side is also a promising young defender. Sarineo, the 21 year old has played for teams like Sporting Club de Goa, Salgaocar, FC Bardez and finally joined Goa’s development team in 2017. His attacking attributes is an added advantage for the left back.
