ISL 2021-How East Bengal’s January Signings have revived fortunes in ISL 7: East Bengal started the Indian Super League 20/21 season in torrid form, losing four out of their first five matches. . With limited time available, Coach Robbie Fowler questioned their preparation for the season transfer wise, stating that they were preparing for the I-League and suddenly they had to play in the ISL.
To rectify that, the club made three signings in the January transfer window- Bright Enobakhare, Raju Gaikwad, and Ankit Mukherjee have been roped in, and have balanced the squad.
After a horror start, East Bengal are currently unbeaten in their last 5 matches and the credit goes to the three new signings. Let’s see how they have made a difference and suddenly turned around the fortunes for Fowler’s men.
ISL 2021: Gaikwad and Ankit Mukherjee’s arrival have balanced out East Bengal’s defensive woes
Gaikwad and Mukherjee have allowed for natural developments in East Bengal’s
defensive cohesion, whereas earlier Fowler had to use makeshift defenders like Sehnaj Singh in defence. Gaikwad has fit in wonderfully in the middle of the back three between Danny Fox and Scott Neville, while Ankit Mukherjee at Right wing back has been excellent at linking up with the defence as well as offence. These two have revamped the entire defensive play for East Bengal.
ISL 2021: Enobakhare’s scoring prowess has been clinical to battle East Bengal’s goal drought
However, the brightest signing has to be Bright Enobakhare. The youngster has scored two goals from the wide number 10 position, while the one against FC Goa is a contender for the goal of the season. The Nigerian’s technical proficiency and pace helps in both possession as well as counter attack.
This positive effect of these new signings have given SC East Bengal. Robbie Fowler will hope that this new found buoyancy will last and help them gain top 4 spot.