Last year’s Hero ISL League Shield winner, Mumbai City FC, has signed Akash Mishra on a five-year deal from Hyderabad FC. After the high-profile transfer saga, the Islanders managed to secure the signing of the best Indian Left-Back. As one of the most proficient and lethal sides in the last ISL season, there is a huge expectation amongst the fans to showcase their efficiency once again to continue their glorious journey.
Player Profile: Akash Mishra:
The 21-year-old talented defender started his football journey in his school days. Later, he moved to the U Dream Football Academy in Germany in 2015 at the age of 14. Then, in 2018–19, he signed for the Indian Arrows.
Going forward, in 2020–21, Akash Mishra signed for Hyderabad FC and came under the spotlight. Under coach Manolo Marquez, he scaled off as one of the most reliable and promising left backs in the country. Gradually, with good performances under his belt, he becomes the best left back in the country.
Akash was part of Hyderabad FC’s title-winning squad in 2021–22 and played a valuable role throughout the season. The deadly full-back duo of Akash Mishra and Asish Rai helped Hyderabad to achieve their goal. Last year’s Semi-Finalist Hyderabad FC’s left flank was totally dependent on Akash Mishra.
Carrying on his sensational form, he made his senior Indian National Team debut on March 25, 2021, against Oman. With his rapid speed, quick overlapping, and reliable performance, he becomes a regular starter wherever he plays. Now, Akash Mishra is on Mumbai City FC’s pre-season tour in Thailand.
Coach’s Corner and Player’s Sayings:
Joining Mumbai City FC, the animated Akash Mishra told a media statement,
“I’ve spoken to Des Buckingham, who has shown a lot of faith in me, and to be able to play football the way he envisions it is one of the many things that excites me about joining Mumbai City FC.”
Mumbai City FC coach Des Buckingham said,
“Akash possesses a wide range of positive attributes required in the modern game and is an exciting prospect. His signing continues our promise of developing young players, and we are pleased he has trusted our club to progress in the next stage of his career.”
Akash Mishra, the Young Player of the Year (2022) nominated by the Football Players’ Association of India, will bolster Mumbai City FC in three possible ways. Let’s point out:
Inch-Perfect Crossing, Controlled Dribbling, and Quick Passing to Forwards:
Akash Mishra has the habitual capability to overlap throughout the flanks to link up with his attackers. He has the measurement in himself to provide a pinpoint cross towards his striker, where a single flick from the striker can open the net. Besides, he has controlled dribbling capability, which helps him fool the defenders and outpace them.
Mishra also has the sharp eye to find his teammates with quick passes. In comparison with Mandar Rao Desai and Vignesh Dakshinamurthy (who played for MCFC last year as a left-back), Akash is more agile and quicker. This will definitely add more power to their flawless attack.
His Inch-Perfect crosses and smooth passes towards Jorge Perera Diaz and Vikram Pratap will help the Islanders grab more points.
Defensive Solidity and Strength:
Akash Mishra will definitely boost the solidity of the defensive line. He efficiently sprints up and down the flanks in order to contribute in both attack and defense. Mishra has the capability to prevent an opponent’s winger from crossing or shooting, which will provide defensive solidity to Mumbai’s backline.
He delivers tremendous performances game after game, and his work rate is second to none. He also has fewer injury issues, which will help Mumbai to perform consistently through the entire season. These will add significant strength to Mumbai’s defense organization.
By linking up with Bipin or Chhangte, Akash will make Mumbai a more fearsome attacking side for the upcoming season.
Excellent Ball control, Swift speed, and Agility:
During his time with Hyderabad FC, Akash Mishra regularly finished games with the most touches out of all players. He also has excellent ball control, which will help the Islanders to enjoy their position-based football. He has swift speed, which allows him to be present in every portion of the field.
With his versatility, agility, and composure, he is the perfect solution for Mumbai for that LB spot. His effective qualities and consistency will help Mumbai in the long run.
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