East Bengal FC is on the right track to bring back their past glory with a roaring comeback. They appointed Spanish tactician Carles Cuadrat at the helm and signed many successful players for the upcoming season. To strengthen their defense, the Read and Gold Brigade has signed Jordan Elsey and Jose Pardo as their foreign centre backs.
Australian defender Jordan Elsey joined the club from A-League side Perth Glory. On the other hand, Spanish defender Jose Padro joined the club from Spanish second-tier side CD Eldense.
Player Profile: Jordan Elsey:
Jordan Elsey, the 29-year-old defender, started his youth career at Para Hills Knights SC and the Adelaide United youth academy. In 2013, Elsey joined A-League club Adelaide United. Later, he played for fellow A-League clubs like the Newcastle Jets and Perth Glory.
Elsey spent eight years at Adelaide United and played 124 matches for them. The 6.2-foot defender, who has vast experience of playing in the A-League, has played more than 160 matches as a centre back in his entire career. With Adeliade United, he also won the A-League championship in 2015-16 and the Australian Cup in 2018-19 and 2019-20.
Player Profile: Jose Pardo:
Antonio Jose Pardo Lukas, the 35-year-old defender, started his youth career at Valencia CF. In 2012, Pardo joined Spanish third-tier club Recreativo Huelva from Valencia B. Later, he played for different Spanish clubs like Real Oviedo, Hercules CF, La Hoya Lorca, Merida AD, Extremadura, UD Ibiza, CD Badajoz, and Eldense.
Pardo helped his former club, Eldense, qualify for the Spanish second division after six long decades. Jose Pardo, the 6.1-foot centre back, has played more than 100 matches in Segunda Division B. He also has 74 LaLiga 2 appearances and 11 Copa del Rey appearances.
Coach Cuadrat’s thoughts on the Elsey-Pardo duo:
Commenting on this centre back duo, head coach Carles Cuadrat said,
“In Elsey and Pardo, we have two experienced central defenders who will be a great asset to help us be consistent in our defense. A good defense is essential to a team’s success, and with both in our fold, we feel that our defensive line will be a solid one.”
Elsey or Pardo: Who will be the first-choice centre back?
Both defenders are experienced, tall, good in the air, excellent with their feet, and can send quick forward passes. Else, who has good anticipation and marking skills, is capable of winning most of the 1v1 duels. On the other hand, Pardo, who is equally comfortable in the midfield, is effective in shielding his defense.
It’s up to Carles Cuadrat to decide how and when he will use his centre back duo. Their selection will depend on the match’s perspective.
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