Founded in 1920, East Bengal FC has been one of the most successful football clubs in the country. Since the first year of participating in the Hero Indian Super League, East Bengal has been suffering due to an ideal goalkeeper.
In the last three years, the Bangal Brigade had finished their campaign as the 9th, 11th, and 9th teams in India’s top-tier football league. Poor defence organization and an inept custodian were the main issues.
So, the Torch Bearers are planning to make a roaring comeback with Carles Cuadrat at the helm. In spite of having Kamaljit Singh and Pawan Kumar, EB should go for a reliable goalkeeper.
To reinforce their last line of defence, East Bengal FC should go for these names:
Prabhsukhan Singh Gill:
The 22-year-old young Punjabi goalkeeper is probably the best option to be the first-choice GK at the Kolkata-based club. He started his career at the AIFF Elite Academy. Later, he played for the Indian Arrows, Bengaluru FC, and Kerela Blasters and also took part in India’s age-based National football team.
Gill’s cat-like reflexes, fingertip saves, age, and other characteristics are ideally perfect to fulfil any requirement. The Golden Gloves winner had made 47 saves in the 2021–22 season and 40 saves in the 2022–23 season.
The young custodian has the ability to boost the morale of the defence and lead the team from behind. His point-blank saves and excellent performances under pressure make him a favourite in his position.
Although the custodian has an existing contract with Kerela Blasters, East Bengal is keen to acquire his services. If the deal goes through, EB management will not have to look for that position for the upcoming few years.
Dheeraj Singh:
The talented 23-year-old Manipur-born goalkeeper is a concrete option for any team under the bars. The AIFF Elite Academy product has represented India in the U17 FIFA World Cup, hosted in India.
Following his prolific display, he played for the Indian Arrows, Kerela Blasters, ATK, ATK Mohun Bagan, and FC Goa. Dheeraj has been successful under the bars since his debut in Hero ISL (2018).
The young, aggressive shot stopper has an existing contract with FC Goa. The young custodian maintained impressive consistency with his work between the posts for the Gaurs.
If he signs a deal with the Red & Gold Brigade, he will get a great opportunity to prove his trade in front of passionate fans at a packed VYBK.
Mohammad Nawaz:
The 23-year-old right-footed Goalkeeper has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents. Since making his debut in 2018, Nawaz has played in the ISL for FC Goa and Mumbai City.
Nawaz’s proficiency with the ball at his feet helps his teammates to generate quick attacks and also disturbs the opponent’s defensive coordination. During Lobera’s tenure at FC Goa and Mumbai City FC, Nawaz had been instrumental over the years.
Although he has an existing contract with The Islanders, he would wear the Red and Gold jersey in search of game time.
Albino Gomes:
The 29-year-old Goa-born goalie has played for Mumbai City FC, Delhi Dynamos (now known as Odisha FC), and Kerela Blasters in the Hero ISL.
His positioning sense, aerial ball-gathering ability, and penalty-saving skills give some extra confidence to his defence line. His strong performances make him a suitable contender for any team’s GK position.
If EB management is going with a low budget to reinforce the GK position, then Gomes will be an excellent choice.
Samik Mitra:
The 22-year-old Bengali custodian had a decent campaign with Chennaiyin FC last year. Performing under the spotlight, he has gained interest from the opponent team’s player recruiters.
However, the shot-stopper has a 62.79% save percentage, but he still needs improvement to succeed at the highest level over the years. After the inclusion of an unknown face, Samik Patra, CFC had a sustainable option under the bars last year.
Keeping in mind the team budget and the player’s age, Mitra would also fit on EB’s shortlist.
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