Indian Super League: How could ATK Mohun Bagan line-up in the 2021/22 season?


Indian Super League: How could ATK Mohun Bagan line-up in the 2021/22 season?

ATK Mohun Bagan has assembled a powerful team capable of winning both titles this season. The talent of their footballers in every area of the field is undeniable, and their coach, Antonio Lopez Habas, is a tactical genius. The guy has two Indian Super League titles under his belt and will undoubtedly give it his all for a third this time.

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In the summer transfer window, Kolkata powerhouse ATK Mohun Bagan welcomed two massive stars to their galaxy of stars. The first is Joni Kauko, a Finland midfielder who just represented his nation at Euro 2020, and they smashed the Indian transfer record for French striker Hugo Boumous by signing him from Mumbai City FC, the defending Indian Super League winners.

Let us look at their probable line-up for the coming season:

ATK Mohun Bagan: Probable Line-up

Habas’ formations have changed from the first to the last season in the ISL; he started with a 4-2-3-1 and now uses a 3-5-2, with the wingback playing a key role in both attack and defence. This season, he is expected to go with the balanced 3-5-2 formation which would enable him to use Krishna’s full potential.

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Goalkeeper – Amrinder Singh

After requesting his release from Indian Super League champions Mumbai City FC, ATK Mohun Bagan has signed goalkeeper Amrinder Singh. In 2015, the footballer from Mahilpur, Punjab, joined ATK on loan from former I-League team Pune FC. He’ll be back in town for his second stint with Spanish head coach Antonio Lopez Habas.

Centre Back – Pritam Kotal

Pritam Kotal, the captain of ATK Mohun Bagan, is a natural fit in the back three. The 28-year-old is a fantastic choice for the RCB role in Antonio Habas’ setup because of his leadership, outstanding defence, and great blocking abilities.

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Centre Back – Tiri

José Luis Espinosa Arroyo aka Tiri has been one of the best defenders in the Indian Super League. After winning the ISL with ATK, he led Jamshedpur FC for three years before joining the Mariners last season. He was an important component of ATKMB’s title defence, which they ultimately lost against Mumbai City FC in the final.

Centre Back – Subhashish Bose

Bose joined Bengaluru FC before the 2017-18 season and finished second in the Hero ISL. In the same season, he was a member of the squad that won the Hero Super Cup and was named to the tournament’s dream team. Prior to the Hero ISL 2020-21 season, he joined ATK Mohun Bagan FC.

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Right Midfielder – Manvir Singh

Manvir Singh, one of the country’s most talented attackers, made his Hero ISL debut with FC Goa in the 2017-18 season. In his rookie season, he largely served as a backup. Manvir helped FC Goa win the Hero ISL League Winners Shield in his third season with the Gaurs, as they finished first in the standings. He signed a three-year contract with ATK Mohun Bagan and was a key player of the squad that reached the Hero ISL final in 2020-21.

Defensive Midfielder – Lenny Rodrigues

Lenny Rodrigues debuted in the Hero ISL in 2014 with FC Pune City. He went joined Bengaluru FC for the 2017-18 season after three seasons with the Stallions. With the Blues, he made it to the Hero ISL final and won the Hero Super Cup, before repeating the feat with FC Goa in 2018-19. During the Hero ISL 2020-21 January transfer window, the India international joined ATK Mohun Bagan.

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Central Midfielder – Joni Kauko

The crowd erupted in joy and excitement when it was reported that ATK Mohun Bagan had acquired a player who had competed in the Euros. Joni Kauko has spent the most of his career performing in Europe, and this will be his first time performing in Asia. Joni’s first game for the Mariners was a disaster, as ATKMB were handily defeated by FC Nasaf in the AFC Cup.

Defensive Midfielder – Deepak Tangri

Deepak Tangri began his youth career with Mohun Bagan AC’s development system. He joined Indian Arrows in 2017 and was a key member of their side in the Hero I-League 2017-18 season. Deepak joined Chennaiyin FC ahead of the 2018-19 season, but was quickly loaned out to Indian Arrows to improve his game.

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Left Midfielder – Liston Colaco

Liston Colaco created a name for himself after leading the 2016-17 Goa Professional League in scoring. FC Goa quickly signed him, and after excelling with the reserves, the striker was promoted to the senior team. He made his Hero ISL debut with the Gaurs in the 2017-18 season, appearing four times off the bench.

Attacking Midfielder – Hugo Boumous

Two years in a row, the former FC Goa and Mumbai City FC star has caused clubs to shatter the transfer record for him. Hugo’s move was the most expensive ever paid by an Indian club for a player, but he’s also recognised for breaking records on the field. He’s won every game he’s ever played, and he’ll be hoping to do the same with ATKMB.

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Striker – Roy Krishna

Roy Krishna is an outstanding striker that any team would want to have in their lineup. In the previous two seasons in the ISL, he has scored 29 goals but has barely missed out on the Golden Boot each time. Last year, he was named Hero ISL Player of the Year for his contributions to the Mariners’ second-place finish and appearance in the playoff final.

Also read: Indian Super League: How could SC East Bengal line-up in the 2021/22 season?