Here is our exclusive Odisha FC Squad Preview for ISL 2020/21. One team that is going to be the surprise package of this season of ISL, it’s Odisha FC. The Coastal state is passionate about its team and is looking to make its mark in the national context. Stuart Baxter will be looking to take the underdogs into the Knock-Out stages.
Odisha FC Squad Preview: Important Signings
- Steven Taylor (From Wellington Phoenix to Odisha FC)
- Jacob Tratt (From Perth Glory to Odisha FC)
- Cole Alexander (From Bidvest Wits FC to Odisha FC)
- Manuel Onwu (From Bengaluru FC to Odisha FC)
- Diego Mauricio (From Centro Sportivo Alagoano to Odisha FC)
- Marcelinho (From Hyderabad FC to Odisha FC)
Odisha FC Squad Preview: Squad Overview
Goalkeepers
Odisha has recruited two new players this season in form of Kamaljit Singh and Ravi Kumar to strengthen the goalkeeping department. Arshdeep Singh is expected to be the first choice goalkeeper of the team. Odisha FC looks decent in this department but the players are needed to be at the best to give stability to the defense.
Defence: The Base to a Successful Campaign
Odisha has brought in an experienced campaigner in form of former Newcastle skipper Steven Taylor. The Odisha skipper has been brought from Wellington Phoenix to strengthen the backline which looked brittle last season. Jacob Tratt is also likely to be playing in the Right Back for the Coastal city, the Australian will be looking to make a mark in India. They have an excellent Indian contingent in defense with young guns like Shubham Sarangi, Gaurav Bora, Dhot along with experienced campaigners like Kamalpreet Singh. It will be interesting to see if the defence can gel up to form a formidable one.
Midfield: Vital Piece of the Puzzle
The Midfield looks a bit inexperienced on the paper. A lot depends on experienced players like Vinit Rai, Diagne and Cole Alexander. Alexander is brought on this season by the club to give that creative spark in the midfield. Diagne will provide the destructive force in the midfield. The Odisha midfield contains a lot of unknown teenagers from their youth set-up like Adhikary and Dobriyal. Remtluanga, Ramfangzauva are also teenagers to look forward to. The youngsters have to work their skin off to create a strong midfield.
Forwards: New Faces Looking to Shine
Odisha has brought in Diego Mauricio and Marcelinho, both signings look top class and are expected to hit the ground running. Marcelinho is one of the most successful forward in ISL history. Onwu, the Bengaluru loanee from last season has been brought home this season on a permanent basis. Onwu will be the main-man for Odisha in front of the goal. Indians like Premjit Singh and Samuel Lalmuanpuia will be looking to make their mark in the country’s top division. The Attacking line up of Odisha looks very promising and will be the guiding light to their campaign this year.
Coaching Staff
Stuart Baxter (Head Coach)
The 67-year-old Scottish manager has tons of experience of coaching clubs under his belt. He has managed clubs like Vissel Kobe, Vitoria Setubal. He has managed high profile teams in the international circuit like England U18, South Africa and Finland. He has won titles in Sweden, South Africa. He prefers to play in a 4-3-3 Attacking formation.
- Gerry Peyton (Assistant Coach)
- Steven Dias (Assistant Coach)
- Rogerio Ramos (Goalkeeping Coach)
Player to Watch Out For
Steven Taylor
Former Newcastle United skipper Steven Taylor has joined the club this season. The Englishman with 195 Premier League appearance is one of the most high profile signings in the history of Indian Super League. The Rock-Solid centre back will lead the side from the back this season, a lot rides on his shoulders.
Young Player to Watch Out For
Shubham Sarangi
The 20 years old right back from India is one of the regulars from last year’s squad. He will play an important role in this season’s campaign. He will have to fight with Jacob Tratt for his position in the first team. Can he make it? Only time knows the answer.
Conclusion
Odisha FC under Baxter can turn out to be the side that the top sides won’t want to play. A team filled with star players alongside a host of young teenagers. The side looks unpredictable, to be honest. Now if they can clear all the hurdles and reach the knock-outs, it will be a dream come true for the Odisha fans.
Are you excited to see Odisha FC in ISL 2020-21? What is your opinion about this Odisha FC Squad Preview? Please let us know in the comments below.
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