ISL 2021-22: Top five players to watch out for in the Odisha FC vs Jamshedpur FC clash: It has been a dream turnaround for Odisha FC this season under the tutelage of head coach Kiko Ramirez. They had a forgetful last season and this season comes as a breath of fresh air for their supporters However, the Kalinga Warriors are not looking to stop anytime soon as they take on the gritty Jamshedpur FC for their next clash. Follow all the ISL 2021-22 Live Updates only on InsideSport.IN
Jamshedpur on the other hand have persisted with Owen Coyle as they believe that the Scotsman can take them to the playoffs for the first time in their club’s history. Till now they have been pretty good, the Men of Steel were unbeaten until they lost 4-2 against Mumbai City. So Coyle’s men will be looking to get back to winning ways against Odisha.
This will be a game of high stakes as Jamshedpur after that defeat are out of the playoffs spots whereas Odisha have strengthened their position with that 1-0 win over NorthEast United. Therefore it promises to be a very feisty battle with top players in the league going against each other.
Komal Thatal
His move to Jamshedpur FC has worked like a charm. The young winger under Owen Coyle has developed a lot and has been marauding the left flank with his mazy runs and lightning speed. Komal Thatal led the second-half resurgence for the Men of Steel against Mumbai City. The youngster even scored a goal and had a decent outing against the reigning champions.
Thatal was one of the best players to come out of the Indian U-17 team that featured in the 2017 FIFA World Cup. Since then his career stalled as he was on the bench at ATK FC for a long time. Despite his promising cameos, he was not preferred much and hence a move to Jamshedpur looks logical for all the parties.
Javi Hernandez
The Spaniard simply has been the buoyant force for the Kalinga Warriors this season. Javi won the ISL with ATK FC and was a pivotal player for Antonio Lopez Habas. He has carried that form to Odisha and with the given freedom he has taken his game to the next level. Javi has scored three goals till now and has also recorded two assists from the four matches. Considering his current form the Spaniard will look to take Odisha to greater heights this season.
Peter Hartley
The English skipper has been one of the most underrated defenders in the ISL since last season. Hartley has developed a great partnership with Eli Sabia this season as the skipper is looking to lead the Men of Steel to the playoffs for the first time. However, his injury concerns have been a major problem for Coyle. The former Motherwell defender was subbed out of the game after he felt some discomfort in the hamstring area. Jamshedpur fans will hope that their captain will be back for a very crucial clash against Odisha FC.
Jonathas
Probably the biggest signing of this summer in the ISL, Jonathas came to Indian shore with bags full of experience and goals. The lanky Brazilian forward has plied his trade for different top-level clubs in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc. He had a tough start to the campaign at Odisha as he suffered from niggles. But he made a great impact in their last match against NorthEast United by scoring the winner after coming on from the bench.
Head coach Kiko Ramirez will hope that the goal gives the Brazilian the confidence that he needs. If Jonathas comes back in form, it will be difficult for other teams to stop Odisha FC this season. Especially with their fluid midfield and compact defence.
Greg Stewart
A contender for the signing of the season this summer, Stewart has taken the ISL by storm. The former Rangers man has proven his quality from the first day and with every passing game he has gotten better. He scored a world-class goal against Hyderabad FC and had decent outings against ATK Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City.
Stewart’s ‘never gives up’ mentality and close control makes him a cut above the rest in this Jamshedpur side. He is someone who can score goals and also help in chance creation. Owen Coyle will hoe that the Scotsman develops great chemistry with Nerijus Valskis and Jordan Murray and the trio can score goals for fun.
ISL 2021-22: Top five players to watch out for in the Odisha FC vs Jamshedpur FC clash