After a long time of failures, East Bengal FC is finding a way to make a roaring comeback with their head coach, Carles Cuadrat. The Kolkata-based, century-old club has managed to put Nandhakumar and Naorem Mahesh in their squad for the upcoming season. If the Nandha-Mahesh wing pair works, then East Bengal FC’s attacking line will look scary to the opponents.
Player Profile: Naorem Mahesh Singh:
The 24-year-old winger started his youth career with the Royal Wahingdoh FC U16 team. Later, in July 2018, Naorem Mahesh Singh joined I-League side Shillong Lajong FC. Playing for the Reds, Mahesh scored his first professional goal against Aizawl FC in 2018.
Mahesh joined Kerala Blasters II in 2020 but was soon loaned out to Sudeva Delhi. Playing for the I-League side, Mahesh made 14 appearances in which he scored a goal and provided two assists. Later in 2021, he was again loaned out to East Bengal.
Since then, Mahesh has been with East Bengal and has become their favorite young star. Playing for East Bengal FC, Mahesh has played 45 matches in which he has scored seven goals and provided seven assists. Recently, at East Bengal FC’s 104th Foundation Day celebration, Naorem Mahesh was awarded the Emerging Footballer of the Year award for his excellent performance with the club.
For his magnificent performance with the East Bengal club, Mahesh Naorem got his Indian National Team call and made his debut on March 22, 2023. He played 11 matches for the Blue Tigers, in which he scored a goal and provided an assist. With the national team, Mahesh also won the SAFF Championship and the Hero Intercontinental Cup.
Player Profile: NandaKumar Sekhar:
The 27-year-old winger started his youth career with the Hindustan Eagles. Later in January 2017, Nandhakumar Sekhar joined I-League side Chennai City FC. Playing for the Lions, Nandha scored his first professional goal against East Bengal in 2017.
Nandha was loaned out to Hero ISL side Delhi Dynamos in September 2017. Later, in 2019, the Delhi Dynamos franchise shifted their base to Bhubaneswar and rebranded as Odisha FC. Nandha has continued his ISL journey with the Juggernauts and spent four years in Odisha.
Nandhakumar’s contribution through both the blanks has been instrumental for each team he plays for. He played well on the domestic circuit and made his senior national team debut against Vanuatu on June 20, 2023. Nandha also won the SAFF Championship and the Hero Intercontinental Cup with the senior national team.
Nandhakumar has 81 ISL appearances, in which he has scored 10 goals and 11 assists. Last season, he had a breakthrough season for Odisha FC. Besides winning the Hero Super Cup, Nandhakumar Sekhar has scored 11 goals in 30 appearances across all competitions.
Nanda-Mahesh duo: One of The Best Indian wing pairs in ISL:
The Nanda-Mahesh duo is going to be one of the best Indian wing pairs in the upcoming ISL season. Nandha and Mahesh both have good passing efficiency, excellent on-the-ball ability, can provide decisive forward passes, and can penetrate the opponent’s defense through the wings. Both wingers can operate on both wings with the same efficiency, which will give more strength to their partnership.
Naorem Mahesh, the Manipur-born winger, has provided the most assists among the Indians in the last ISL season. He has smart vision and can link up with his teammates very quickly. His dangerous crosses create a threat in the opponent’s defense and help his strikers put their names on the scoresheet.
On the other hand, Nandhakumar, the Tamil Nadu-born winger, had his best season last year. His speedy runs, excellent cut-in and shooting capabilities, and excellent skills are an asset to any team’s attacking line. Nandha has the adeptness to score goals and provide assists, which can change the dimension of a game.
If the Nandha-Mahesh duo clicks, East Bengal is going to be very lethal through the wings. In the upcoming season, their effectiveness on both flanks will be crucial for the club’s success.
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