Thiruvananthapuram: With the new season of the Indian Super League underway, Kerala Blasters who had finished 10th last season with only three wins out of 20 brought in new coach Ivan Vukomanovic in an attempt to overturn their form.
Vukomanovic brought in an array of complete new foreign signings in the hope to bolster the squad. Let take a look at the Kerala Blasters for ISL 2021-22 squad.
1.Adrian Luna- The versatile midfielder is set to be the key connection between the midfield and the Blaster’s attack. Luna can operate as an attacking midfielder, a number 10 as well as on either wing. Luna being a ‘jack of all trades will be expected to even score goals not only to create. Although Luna had some exceptional games in the Durand Cup and also found the net, how impactful he will actually be is yet to be determined.
2. Jorge Pereyra Diaz- The Argentine number 9 is what you actually call a goal machine. Playing across many outfits in Asia and Argentina, Jorge carries a vast load of experience that will help him connect with Adrian Luna to probably score the most number of goals for the squad
3. Alvaro Vasquez- As prolific a scorer Jorge is, Alvaro Vasquez is no less. Plying his trade through top tier teams like Espanyol, Swansea Sporting Gijon, Vasquez is set to be the best foreign signing for the yellow army. With both Vasquez and Jorge, Vakumanovic has to devise a lineup to fit both of them in if he wants to make the best use of his squad depth.
4. Chencho Gyeltshen- The former ISL winner with Bengaluru FC, Chencho having played in India for quite some time now, knows how to make an impact on the Indian soil and will be a great addition to Vakumanovic front three. Often termed as ‘Bhutanese Ronaldo’ Chenco can operate as a center-forward as well as a left-winger. Although with Vasquez and Jorge he might find it difficult to make it to the starting lineup, Chencho can make an impact on being introduced anytime.
5. Enes Sipovic- Having played for Chennaiyin FC earlier Sipovic is accustomed to the style of Indian football. The central defender is set to be a rock-solid pillar of Kerala’s defense. Although the player has made 20 interceptions with 79 clearances, the player needs to work clean tackling since getting four yellows and a red card in 18 games.
6.Marko Leskovic- The 31-one-year old Croatian, might be the best partner Sipovic needs. Playing through the ranks of Europe and the Croatian team in 2014, the defender brings in the experience that can help him in being the heart of the defense that might help Kerala Blasters in conceding fewer goals this edition
