The 21/22 season of the ISL is about to begin on November 19. In anticipation for the new campaign, we are taking a look at all the teams as part of the league. In this article we are looking at Odisha FC and how they are lining up this time around.
Odisha FC Tentative Squad
Goalkeepers: Kamaljit Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Kumar.
Defenders: Gaurav Bora, Lalruathara, Sahil Panwar, Hendry Antonay, Lalhrezuala Sailung, Sebastian Thangmuansang, Deven Sawhney, Victor Mongil, Hector Rodas
Midfielders: Thoiba Singh Moirangthem, Vinit Rai, Paul Ramfangzauva, Isaac Vanmalsawma, Isak Vanlalruatfela, Liridon Krasniqi, Javi Hernandez, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Nandhakumar Sekar, CVL Remtluanga, Nikhil Raj.
Strikers: Akshunna Tyagi, Daniel Lalhlimpuia, Aridai Cabrera, Jonathas de Jesus.
Odisha FC Team Profile
Odisha FC suffered a bottom place finish in the 2020 edition of the league. But, they have made some huge changes on and off the pitch. Raj Athwal is now the President of the club, and Spain legend David Villa is the Head of Global Football Operations.
The team also has a new manager at the helm, with Kiko Ramirez Gonzalez leading the first team.
Javi Hernandez and Vinit Rai are expected to be the starting midfielders, and will be key to the stability of the team. Goalscoring forward Jonathan will have a big responsibility in scoring goals. He has featured for clubs like Elche and Real Sociedad in Spain, and Hannover 96 in Germany. Hopefully, he can find his form in India as well.
Akshunna Tyagi, a newly promoted youngster, could be a big surprise since he scored 20 goals in 14 games in the AIFF Elite League.
Although they have worked hard in pre-season, their main weakness lies in the inexperienced Indian contingent of the squad. Improving the defense from last season will be one of the biggest challenges for the team this time around.
