ISL 2021-22: Top five players to watch out for as Odisha FC lock horns against NorthEast United- After a great start to the Indian Super League season with two wins, Odisha FC lost their third match against Kerala Blasters. However, Kiko Ramirez’s men are looking to return to winning ways against Khalid Jamil’s NorthEast United FC. The Highlanders are lower in the points table but have won their last game against FC Goa courtesy of a late Khassa Camara strike. Follow all the Live Updates of ISL 2021-22 only on InsideSport.IN
Looking to build momentum 📈#OdishaFC #AmaTeamAmaGame #ANewDawn pic.twitter.com/JHtdDuhrDW
— Odisha FC (@OdishaFC) December 9, 2021
While Odisha FC are looking to find their lost momentum, Khalid Jamil’s men are looking to continue their winning run. So it promises to be a monumental clash between two teams looking to get into the top four spots.
In these types of cagey matches, it generally comes down to star players who can make a mark. In this match aswell there are several top talents, Indian and foreign who can change the course of the game.
Let us take a look at the top five players from the match between Odisha and NorthEast United.
Vinit Rai
While players around him have been exceptional hence his performances have not caught the eye. But Vinit Rai is the pillar of this Odisha FC team. He is one of the most integral members of Kiko Ramirez’s lineup. The young India international however did not have a great game against Kerala Blasters and therefore he can turn up big time against the Highlanders as the Kalinga Warriors look to return to winning ways.
The 24-year-old midfielder is mostly given the charge of controlling the tempo of the game and he has done a decent job till now. Vinit has a very impressive passing accuracy of 86% and will look to take charge of the midfield battle against NorthEast United, something that will give Odisha a major edge over their opponents.
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Rochharzela
Rochharzela’s growth from last year to this year is pretty visible. The 23-year-old diminutive winger who is extremely fleet-footed will be a handful for the Odisha fullback who are not the fastest. Rochharzela last season could only manage a goal and two assists in 12 matches in the Indian Super League. But he created an impact in almost each and every match irrespective of the fact that whether he started that game or was subbed in later.
The 23-year-old once again has started on the same note for the Highlanders and he will be pivotal in him keeping the Odisha fullbacks busy. It will surely create openings from where Matheus Coureur and others can utilize them in the upcoming match. He scored an early goal to set the tone for the Highlanders against FC Goa and will look to replicate something similar against the Kalinga Warriors.
Victor Mongil
Another player who is pivotal to Ramirez’s plans and has flown under the radar mainly due to the performances of others. But Mongil is a vital cog in this lineup and his past record of winning the league with ATK proves that the Spaniard has that ability and talent to guide the Kalinga Warriors to greater heights this season.
Mongil has played a role in stabilising the backline with Hector Rodas. Although they have conceded goals, the Spaniard is keen to lead the backline and in a few more matches Ramirez will hope that both the Spaniards will find their feet in a new setup.
Hernan Santana
Hernan Santana brings a sense of assurance to this NorthEast United side. Whether be it in defence or even as a midfielder the Spaniard has carried his last season’s form into this season. Ever since Federico Gallego’s injury Santana has become the driving force in the middle for the Highlanders. While he is not as attacking as the Uruguayan but he definitely gets the job done with his crisp passing and excellent vision to find teammates.
Odisha will tend to keep more of the possession and play at their own pace therefore Santana will be key for Khalid Jamil’s men. He along with Khassa Camara will look to cut the passing lanes and break up play and also create chances for the forwards up front. His presence in the middle will be of prime importance for the Highlanders.
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Javi Hernandez
Currently, the best player in the Indian Super League, Javi Hernandez has simply taken his stint at Odisha FC to the next level. He was a pivotal figure in Antonio Lopez Habas’ setup. But there he played a deeper role where his primary job was to control the tempo of the game. However, Kiko Ramirez has given the Spaniard the freedom to play up front as a proper striker and it has not gone too wrong. However, he still relishes the free role just behind the main striker but performing even upfront proves his unreal versatility as a player.
He has been sensational from setpieces having scored three goals and provided two assists and his heroics for the Kalinga Warriors was acknowledged by the league as he was awarded the ISL Hero of the Month for November. Overall the Highlanders will look to avoid giving away cheap setpieces near the penalty area. They will also look to avoid giving Javi any space and his long-range efforts are equally exceptional. Overall considering Javi’s form at the moment, the Kalings Warriors will hope that the Spaniard helps them bag all three points against NorthEast United.
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