Kolkata: After an underwhelming debut in the Indian Super League last season, SC East Bengal would be more than desperate to change things for the better. After sorting out the sporting rights fiasco with sponsor Shree Cement, SCEB has taken some drastic measures in rebuilding a squad. Head boss Robbie Fowler was replaced by former Real Madrid Castilla boss Manuel Manolo Diaz. Diaz brought in an array of talented foreigners in an attempt to bolster the squad. Let’s take a look at them :
1. Amir Dervisevic- The 29-year-old Slovenian midfielder was the first foreign signing of the club and joined the ISL side from Slovenian club NK Maribor. Dervisevic is more of a feeder for the players upfront with the particular ability to score freekicks and long rangers. His passing abilities and deliverance of set pieces would be of huge advantage to the club.
2. Tomislav Mrcela- The Australian defender joined the Kolkata side from the A-league side, Perth Glory. The defender is rock solid in his position and can provide great help to Youngsters like Ankit Mukherjee and Serineo Fernandes. The A-league winner is a clean tackler and holds the ability to score from set-pieces. Mrcela is set to have a great impact on the overall philosophy of the team.
3. Franjo Prce- The 25-year old Croatian central defender will be an important cadet in the line-up, as he can even operate as a left-back. The former Lazio player is very aware defensively with a great sense. His heading ability will be a winner, along with his tendency to move forward into the opposition third.
4. Darren Sidoel- The former Ajax U-19 captain had already been playing under Manolo Diaz in the Hercules FC and is evident that the coach finds the 23-year old central defensive midfielder absolutely required for the club. The versatile player can even be used as a central defender as well as a midfielder with the capability of being a deep-lying playmaker.
5. Antonio Perosevic- The Croatian forward can also be operated as winger/wing-forward gaining vast experience from plying his trade in Croatian top-flight clubs like Puskas Akedemia and Ujpest FC. Perosevic has the required pace and can operate both flanks. Apart from his receiving ability, his provision of through balls adds to his abilities. His combination with Dervisevic and Chima would provide lethal for the club.
6. Daniel Chima Chukwu- Hailing from Molde FK side coached by current Manchester United boss Ole Gunner Solskjaer, Chima is one of the most prolific goalscorers- poacher to be precise. He can utilize every smallest area to find a net and possesses good heading ability as well. Chima can create opportunities for himself, but he gets better when provided from the midfield. If Chima and Dervisevic find their harmony, the SC East Bengal might just celebrate a goal-fest.
SC East Bengal will start their campaign on November 21 against Jamshedpur FC and would be desperate to overturn let season’s mishaps.
