Here is our exclusive Chennaiyin FC Squad Preview for ISL 2020/21. Chennaiyin FC is one of the most successful clubs in the tournament’s history after ATK (now ATK Mohun Bagan FC) with two titles in their kitty. Last season’s finalist Chennaiyin will be looking to better the performance by winning the title. This season they have hired Csaba László as their new manager, new signings have also been made. The Hungarian Manager will be looking to mark his arrival in India with a trophy.
Chennaiyin FC Squad Preview: Important Signings
- Isma (From Matsumoto Yama to Chennaiyin FC)
- Jakub Sylvestr (From Hapoel Haifa to Chennaiyin FC)
- Memo (From Jamshedpur FC to Chennaiyin FC)
- Enes Sipovic (From Umm Salal SC to Chennaiyin FC)
- Reagan Singh (From North East United to Chennaiyin FC)
- Fatkhullo Fatkhulloev (From Khujand to Chennaiyin City FC)
Squad Overview
Goalkeepers: Experience all galore
Chennaiyin has no doubt one of the best goalkeeping units, Vishal Keith being the first choice goalkeeper. Karanjit Singh is the experienced deputy to him. Karanjit is one of the most experienced players in Indian football. Keith is one of the best goalkeepers of recent times; he is a very good shot-stopper and has decent outing and positioning skills making him a complete goalkeeper. Chennaiyin will expect Kaith to be their pillar in the defense.
Defence: Will the New Signings do the Trick?
Chennaiyin’s philosophy of strong defense and fast counters has always been a source of joy. This season also Eli Sabia will be there in the heart of the defense to guide the team’s defense. Enes Sipovic is also brought in to be his partner, they both can very much form a strong partnership at the back. Reagan Singh may be the right-back for the team due to his experience, Jerry Lalrinzuala will be the expected left-back. Edwin Sydney Vanspaul, Lalchhuanmawia will be the back-ups in the full-back positions. On paper, Chennaiyin’s defense looks pretty much balanced.
Midfield: Can Indian Brigade do the Thing
Chennaiyin can no doubt boast of a dynamic midfield. A team that possesses Crivellaro will always have an edge due to his creative nature that makes them a threat in attack. Memo’s inclusion will be to steady the ship in the middle of the park and stop the opponent’s advances. Germanpreet can also be making the team quite a lot with the 5 substitute rule at play. Anirudh Thapa will no doubt be the poster boy of the team, the talented central midfielder will orchestrate the team’s play from the middle of the pitch. Abhijit Sarkar and Dhanpal Ganesh will also be looking for some much-needed game-time.
Forwards: Who will Replace Valskis?
Nerijus Valskis was the one-man army in the heart of Chennaiyin’s offense last season, this season after his departure the main task will be to fill his void. There is quite a few signing in this season in the offense, Isma and former Bundesliga II top scorer Sylvester are the two new center-forwards that the club will be looking up to. Fatkhulloev can be a source of threat from the team’s right-wing. After an excellent showing, last season Lalrinzuala Chhangte will be the fan’s favorite to start. Thoi Singh will be the super sub for the team. Chennaiyin will have to do the damage in front, as attacking football has always been their forte.
Chennaiyin FC Squad Preview: Coaching Staff
Csaba László (Head Coach)
The former Ferencváros manager has a long history in coaching, he has managed a host of teams both at club level and international level. His time at Dundee United has made him quite famous in the British Circuit. The Hungarian will be a star-turned really if he can put good results in the opening matches of the tournament. The 4-2-3-1 is the preferred formation for him. It will be interesting to see, how he navigates through his first season in India.
- Admir Kozlik (Assistant Coach)
- Martin Raska (Assistant Coach)
Chennaiyin FC Squad Preview: Player to Watch Out For
Rafael Crivellaro
The Former Portuguese Cup winner was a big reason behind Chennaiyin’s success last season. In 17 matches he played last season, he registered 7 assists to his name that is the club highest. One of the biggest reason behind Valskis’s exploit last season is Rafael’s accuracy to deliver the ball to him. This season also, Crivellaro has to be at his best for Chennaiyin to find success in the tournament.
Youth Player to Watch Out For
Lallianzuala Chhangte
He may be only 23 years old but he has experience of 55 ISL matches under his belt. The player with 13 goals and 5 assists over the years will be looking to better his tally from last season. The former Delhi Dynamos player will have to be in the best of form, to give himself the chance to break into the Indian National Team.
Conclusion
At the end, it’s always tough to predict if a team can win the title before hand. But you can always recognise a balance side, Chennaiyin FC perfectly fits into the bill. We here at Foot Viser will keep an close eye on Chennaiyin progress this season. Will Chennaiyin win their 3rd title? Time knows the answer and so will we in course of nest few months.
Are you excited to see Chennaiyin FC in ISL 2020-21? What is your opinion about this Chennaiyin FC Squad Preview? Please let us know in the comments below.
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