ISL season 5: Chennaiyin’s hopes rest on solid defence

Marksman
Jeje Lalpekhlua's goal-scoring abilities make him a dangerous proposition for rival teams.

With the Indian Super League (ISL) returns for its fifth season on September 29, it is time to take a closer look at the 10 teams who will fight it out for one of the most prestigious honour in Indian football. Here’s our team preview of Chennaiyin FC, the defending champions.

Matches are played on the pitch, not on paper, Chennaiyin FC wear this philosophy on their sleeves. They may not be having big names in their line-up, but they are high-spirited and boast of a well-balanced squad. That exactly why the other nine teams in the fray must be wary of them.

The nucleus of the team that was there last year is here again this season. They have managed to bring together a compact team with balance in all the departments, featuring a unique mix of local and foreign talents.

Englishman John Gregory, known to be a shrew tactician, has been retained as the head coach. The pre-season preparation of the team was held in Malaysia.

Chennaiyin will begin their campaign by taking on last edition’s runners-up Bengaluru FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on September 30.

Tight defence

Chennaiyin flaunts an organised defence. In the past seasons, their defensive line had a distinctive Italian flavour which gave them an edge over others. The team’s backline will be protected by Brazilian Mailson Alves in the absence of Portuguese Henrique Sereno who captained them last year.

Spaniard Inigo Calderon, who has a vast amount of Premiership experience under his belt, is another vital cog in Chennaiyin’s defensive wheel. Brazilian defender Eli Sabia, who was re-signed following the departure of Sereno, will also solidify the team’s backline. This eye-catching line-up indicates that the strength of this squad lies in the defence.

Strong midfield

The team’s midfield flaunts some familiar names, both Indian and foreign, including Brazilian Raphael Augusto and Anirudh Thapa. Chennaiyin have bolstered their midfield by signing Spanish-born Italian midfielder Andrea Orlandi. These three will be accompanied by Dhanpal Ganesh, Francisco Fernandes, Germanpreet Singh and Thoi Singh Khangembam, who will give the much needed fluidity and balance to the team's midfield.

Potent attacking line-up

Chennaiyin’s attack will be spearheaded by the Argentine-born Palestinian striker Carlos Salom, who is on a season-long loan from Thailand League One outfit Bangkok United. His partner up front will be Jeje Lalpekhlua, the first Indian player to be the highest scorer in an ISL season.

Dutch winger Gregory Nelson too has the quality to break any defensive barrier. Their forward line-up also comprises Keralite Mohammed Rafi and Assam's Baoringdao Bodo, who is being hailed as one of India’s brightest future prospects.

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