Here is our exclusive FC Goa Squad Preview for ISL 2020/21. FC Goa is one of the most consistent sides of ISL. In this preview, we will try to predict how they can perform in this season ISL. They were the league toppers last season but most of the players of that side left this season along with their coach Sergio Lobera. Goa management though tried to maintain the quality of the squad by blending experience with youth. This season they will compete in the group stages of the AFC Champions League along with ISL. Balancing these two competitions and meeting the expectations of the fans will be the main challenge for them this season. Their new Spanish head boss Juan Ferrando though has his full confidence on his side.
FC Goa Squad Preview: Key Signings
- Ishan Pandita
- Ivan Gonzalez
- Alberto Nouguera
- Igor Angulo
Squad Overview
Goalkeepers: Where experience meets talent
Goa has a strong set of GoalKeepers. After his excellent performance last season Md Nawaz should be the first-choice goalkeeper. This 20-year-old youth has the potential to become one of the best in India. Naveen Kumar on the other hand will provide the experience and should be a great option for reserves. He has played for Goa before along with Kerala Blasters and knows how to handle the pressure. The other two goalkeepers Subham Dhas and Antonio D Silva are just promoted from the Goa b team and will have the urge to prove themselves in the biggest stage.
Defence: The pillar of a strong side
Goa has one of the strong defense in this year’s ISL. Their two foreign centrebacks James Donachie and Ivan Gonzalez will form the backbone of their defense. They also have some talented left and right backs like Saviour Gama and Seriton Fernandes along with Sanson Perreira and Leander D Cunha as reserve options.
Midfield: The gamechanger
In modern football, the team which has a strong midfield dominates the game. Goa management seems to know this fact. Though their last season’s star performer in midfield Hugo Boumas left the side along with Jakichand Singh. But they still have a pretty strong midfield. One of the best midfielders of India Brendon Fernandez will operate in Goa mid along with Alberto Noguera and Romario Jesuraj. The defensive mid is also sorted with Lenny Rodriguez and Edu Bedia. They will buildup from the back and connect the game. Youth players like Nestor Dias, Phiranki Buam, and Princeton Rebello is also included in the squad to provide exposure.
Forward line: The Goalscorers
Goa has lost all of their stars forwards this season. Their most consistent performer Coro has left the side along with Indian team regular Manvir Singh. They have tried to compensate for that with some of the most popular signings like Ishan Pandita and Angulo. As their manager, Ferrando prefers a 4-2-3-1 system they also solidified their wings with the inclusion of Jorge Ortiz and Redeem Tlang. There are also some young guns like Makan Chote, Devendra Muragokar, and Aaren d Silva who have the potential to play regularly for the Goa side.
FC Goa Squad Preview: Coaching Staff
Juan Ferrando (Head Coach)
Goa has recruited a new boss, Juan Ferrando for this season. This Spanish manager though young has a lot of experience. He was in charge of clubs like Sheriff Tiraspol of Moldova, CD Leonesa and Lineres of Spanish third division, and Ergotelis and Volos Nps of Greece first div. His preferred formation is 4-2-3-1.
- Assistant Manager: Clifford Miranda
- Goalkeeping Coach: Virender Singh
- Conditioning Coach: Javi Gonzalez
- Technical Director: Derik Pereira
FC Goa Squad Preview: Youth Player to watch out
FC Goa has a lot of talented youth players. Amongst them, Makan Chote will be the man to watch out for. This right-winger though young has huge experience of playing on Indian soil. He has 25 appearances in the I league along with 5 AFC Cup appearances. He was part of Minerva Punjab’s I league-winning squad. His experience and talent at this age will help him to perform well if given proper game time.
Conclusion
FC Goa is still one of the strongest sides of ISL. They have done an overhaul this season and mixed talent with experience. Moreover playing all the matches in their home condition will give them an extra edge. Their squad has the potential to reach at least the top 4 of this season’s ISL but everything thing depends on how they can grow their understanding of their manager’s tactics.
Are you excited to see FC Goa in ISL 2020-21? What is your opinion about this FC Goa Squad Preview? Please let us know in the comments below.
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