ISL team profile: Indian experience and former Arsenal stars make Mumbai team to beat

By Arjun Krishnan

Mumbai City FC will represent the largest metropolis and financial capital of the country in the first Indian Super League.

Co-owned by Bollywood heartthrob and avid football aficionado Ranbir Kapoor and renowned chartered accountant Bimal Parekh, fans can rest assured that their club is in extremely safe hands, insofar as administration is concerned.

A quick glance at the franchise’s roster is enough to convince anyone of the perfect blend of youth, ability and experience present in both Indian and foreign players at their disposal.

Indian players: Subrata Paul, Ishan Debnath; Peter Costa, Deepak Mondal, Raju Gaekwad, Syed Rahim Nabi; Lalrindika Ralte, Ram Malik, Rohit Mirza, Asif Kottayil; Sushil Kumar Singh, Lalrin Fela, Nadong Bhutia, Singam Subash Singh

Mumbai has some of the best and most accomplished Indian players in their squad. The trio of Syed Rahim Nabi, Subrata Pal and Raju Gaikwad share over 150 national team caps and honours in excess of 20 at the domestic and international levels.

Aside from being some of the best players the country has produced in recent history, they also bring years of invaluable experience to this side.

Nabi, a product of Tata Football Academy, has arguably been India’s best player over the past few years. His experience and performances for the national team have rightfully earned him the opportunity to captain the side.

Foreign players: Preto Pereira; Manuel Friedrich, Ilias Pollalis, Johan Letzelter, Pavel Cmovs; Javier Fernandez, Jan Stohanzl, Tiago Ribeiro, Freddie Ljungberg, Andre Moritz, Diego Nadaya, Nicholas Anelka.

The foreign signings bring with them equitable amount of ability and experience in relation to their Indian counterparts. Former Arsenal stars Nicolas Anelka and Freddie Ljungberg have excelled in their respective roles during their primes.

35-year-old Manuel Friedrich will look to be the strong defensive unit that he was in his Leverkusen days. The German was also a part of Borussia Dortmund’s Champions League squad in the 2013-14 season.

Marquee player

Ljungberg is Mumbai’s designated marquee player. Regarded as one of the finest ever Swedish footballers, the ex ‘Invincible’ established himself as a Premier League icon by winning two league titles with Arsenal, where he scored 72 goals in 216 appearances.

He also found the net 14 times in 75 games for Sweden.

Manager

Former Manchester City, Sunderland and Thailand national team manager, Peter Reid is one of the most experienced managers in this tournament.

Judging by the team’s setup against ONGC the other day, Reid will look to play a variation of the 4-4-2.

Strengths

Subrata Pal is regarded as one of India’s best goalkeepers in history and among Asia’s finest current goalkeepers. Known for his quick reflexes, shot stopping ability and command over his area, he is expected to carry his national team form over to his club.

Skipper Nabi’s versatility means he can play in any of the left back, left midfield or the center midfield positions. Steve Darby recently described him as someone who can easily excel in England’s second tier football league.

Nicolas Anelka will play a crucial role as a striker or as the most advanced midfielder over the course of the tournament. His slick touches and exquisite ball control has enabled him to score over 200 career goals for Europe’s elite clubs such as Arsenal, Liverpool and Real Madrid.

Lalrindika Ralte’s screamer against ONGC is a timely reminder of the youngster’s potential. His skill and pace on the wings can leave the best of defenders for dead.

Weaknesses

Ljungberg’s absence from training due to a calf injury means he’s unlikely to be risked in their opening game against Atlético de Kolkata. And of course, starting a big tournament away can always be hard and a loss would affect confidence. Apart from the intangibles however, there are no glaring weaknesses.

Conclusion

Mumbai City FC has no notable long term weaknesses and are definitely favorites for the title.