ISL 2021-22, Kolkata Derby: Top five players to watch out for in SC East Bengal’s epic ISL clash against ATK Mohun Bagan: SC East Bengal in search of their first win this season will play in the Kolkata Derby against ATK Mohun Bagan for the second season in the Indian Super League. The Red and Golds had a steady start to the new season with a 1-1 draw against Jamshedpur FC. But Manuel Diaz’s men will be eager to register their first win against arch-rivals as it will be a statement for their fans and apart from getting three points they will also win the bragging rights.
Back on the pitch and training hard for the clash against SC East Bengal on Saturday 💚♥️🔜#ATKMohunBagan #JoyMohunBagan #আমরাসবুজমেরুন #HeroISL pic.twitter.com/ulL6cOkSww
— Mohun Bagan Super Giant (@mohunbagansg) November 23, 2021
However, it won’t be easy for the Red and Gold Army as they will have to find a way past last season’s finalists ATK Mohun Bagan. The mariners have started their new season with a 4-2 win over Kerala Blasters. So it will be fascinating to see how both the Kolkata based outfits fare against each other in the fierce Kolkata Derby.
Both teams will depend on a certain set of players who will help them win this exciting clash. So let us take a look at the players who can make a defining impact on the Kolkata Derby.
Franjo Prce (SC East Bengal)
The Croatian defender has instantly made an impact since joining SC East Bengal. He scored the only goal for the Red and Gold Army in their season opener against Jamshedpur FC. The former Lazio youth team player came up with a brilliant acrobatic kick to hand SC East Bengal a well-deserved lead.
However, they could not hold the lead for long as Jamshedpur equalised before going into the break. But Prce along with the other defenders were up to their task as they did not allow the Men of Steel to score again. They salvaged a point from the fixture and Prce’s performance earned a lot of plaudits. The Croatian defender will be up against Roy Krishna in the big Derby and it will be interesting to see if he can hold his own against the prolific Fijian marksman.
Manvir Singh (ATK Mohun Bagan)
The Indian forward has been a metronome for the Mariners since last season. Manvir has been a sensation under Antonio Lopez Habas and he will look to continue that development in this season. Thye Punjabi striker scored in his club’s 2-0 win over SC East Bengal in the first derby of last season.
He scored six goals last season and provided three assists as the Mariners saw him develop a great understanding with Roy Krishna and David Williams. This season again he will look to take the attack to the Red and Golds from the right flank.
Antonio Perosevic (SC East Bengal)
Probably the brightest start in SC East Bengal’s 1-1 draw against Jamshedpur FC. Perosevic was exceptional with his ball progression and take ons. The experienced forward who has featured for Croatia took on defenders with ease and glided past them. All he missed was the shooting boots. Something which the fans will want him to do in the upcoming derby.
Perosevic is known for his dribbling and ability to play in multiple positions in attack. The 29-year-old also has the ability to bring in other forwards in the game, something which he will look to improve against the Mariners. Perosevic has plied his trade in top tier leagues of Croatia, Hungary and United Arab Emirates and can hold his own in a high voltage derby clash.
Roy Krishna (ATK Mohun Bagan)
One of the most prolific strikers in Indian football’s history, Roy Krishna is getting better with every passing day. The Fijian skipper is fleetfooted, strong and has a variety of skills up his sleeve. He netted a total of 14 goals and provided 10 assists last season and combined really well with the likes of Manvir Singh and David Williams in the ATKMB attack.
The 34-year-old played a big role in both of ATK Mohun Bagan’s derby win. He scored in both matches and even provided two assists in the second match in their 3-1 win over the Red and Golds. Krishna will once again look to take centre stage in another derby for the Mariners.
Hugo Boumous (ATK Mohun Bagan)
The newest star in the block for the Mariners this season, Hugo Boumous will surely play a big role in the Kolkata Derby. He has everything in store to cause problems for the SC East Bengal defence. He made an instant impact in the Indian Super League as he scored a brace in their 4-2 win.
The French attacking midfielder linked really well with Krishna in attack and has that ability to glide past defenders with relative ease. Boumous has guided FC Goa to the League Winners’ Shield under Sergio Lobera before guiding Mumbai City FC to the ISL double last season. Boumous will look to replicate that feat for the Mariners this season as he looks to make a positive impact in the big clash.
ISL 2021-22, Kolkata Derby: Top five players to watch out for in SC East Bengal’s epic ISL clash against ATK Mohun Bagan
