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India Gazette
13-07-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Top 5 full-back duos in ISL history
New Delhi [India], July 13 (ANI): The foundation of a competitive squad lies in maintaining the right balance across all areas of the pitch, including positions that have evolved considerably over time, as per the official website of the Indian Super League (ISL). Among them, the role of full-backs has undergone one of the most dramatic transformations in modern football. No longer limited to purely defensive duties, full-backs are now expected to contribute at both ends of the pitch, offering tactical width, supporting build-up play, while also aiding in transitions. In the Indian Super League (ISL), several teams have benefited from exceptional full-back duos who exemplify this evolution. These combinations have proven to be valuable assets in their coaches' strategies, seamlessly blending defensive resilience with attacking support. Asish Rai and Akash Mishra came to prominence at Hyderabad FC under the guidance of Manolo Marquez. While Asish joined the team earlier, Akash arrived a season later, and together, they formed one of the most exciting young full-back pairings Indian football has seen. Both players were dynamic, quick, and fearless: qualities that fit perfectly into Marquez's high-tempo, possession-based system. Their ability to balance attacking intent with defensive responsibility made them invaluable on either flank. Tenacious in defence and adventurous in attack, the duo played a vital role in Hyderabad FC's ISL Cup-winning campaign in 2021-22. They were the perfect example of modern-day full-backs -- capable of stretching play, winning duels, and contributing going forward. Between them, they were involved in 11 goals during their time together, all while being part of one of the most solid and well-organised defensive lines in the league. After rising to prominence at Hyderabad FC, Asish Rai took the next step in his career by joining Mohun Bagan Super Giant and found the perfect partner on the opposite flank in Subhasish Bose. While Asish brought pace, energy, and relentless pressing on the right, Bose offered composure, experience, and tactical discipline on the left. The combination of youthful dynamism and seasoned maturity made them one of the most balanced and reliable full-back duos in recent ISL seasons. With Bose now captaining the side and Asish continuing to develop his all-round game, the pair has played a key role in MBSG's sustained domestic success. Together, they've been part of a backline that has powered the Mariners to two ISL Shields and two ISL Cups over the last three seasons, which is a testament to their consistency, synergy, and ability to deliver on the biggest stage. While Mandar Rao Dessai had been part of FC Goa since 2014, it wasn't until the 2018-19 season under Sergio Lobera that he was reinvented as a full-back, transitioning from his natural position as a winger to the left side of defence. On the opposite flank, Seriton Fernandes had already established himself as a calm and composed right-back, and together, they went on to form a balanced and dynamic full-back pairing. Though the role was new for Mandar, his experience, composure, and attacking instincts allowed him to adapt quickly. Seriton, more reserved and positionally sound, complemented Mandar perfectly on the other side. In their first season together as a full-back pair, FC Goa narrowly missed out on the ISL Cup, but the following campaign saw them clinch the ISL Shield. Over two strong seasons, Seriton and Mandar were vital in shaping the wide structure of the Gaurs' play and provided both width and stability in equal measure. To this day, FC Goa fans fondly remember the consistency, chemistry, and tactical importance of the Seriton-Mandar full-back pairing. After a successful spell at FC Goa, Mandar Rao Dessai followed head coach Sergio Lobera to Mumbai City FC, where he continued in his role as a left-back. On the opposite flank, a relatively young Amey Ranawade, who had a brief stint at FC Goa earlier, stepped into the right-back position. Together, they formed a well-balanced full-back duo in a side that was tactically fluid and dominant in possession. Mandar brought experience to the left, excelling in ball circulation and positioning. Amey, on the other hand, offered bursts of pace and energy down the right, regularly making overlapping runs and stretching the play. Their combination was a crucial component of Mumbai City FC's ISL double-winning campaign in 2020-21 under Lobera. In Lobera's possession-heavy system, quick switches of play and wide build-ups were essential. The Amey-Mandar pairing functioned as the engine that transitioned play efficiently from one flank to the other, creating gaps in the opposition's half and helping unlock space in central areas. The duo perfectly matched the demands of modern football. Before shifting to the centre of defence later in his career, Rahul Bheke was one of the most dependable right-backs in the ISL. Paired with a young and energetic Nishu Kumar on the opposite flank, Bengaluru FC found a full-back duo that blended grit with athleticism during their early seasons in the league. While Nishu initially featured as a substitute, he broke into the starting XI during the 2018-19 campaign under Carles Cuadrat, locking down the left-back position as Bheke continued to occupy the right. Their styles complemented each other well. Bheke was more defensive and disciplined, while Nishu offered thrust going forward, often linking up with Sunil Chhetri and whipping in dangerous crosses from the left. The pairing clicked instantly and was a key reason behind Bengaluru FC's defensive dominance that season. Their balance and work ethic helped the Blues lift the ISL Cup in 2018-19. The duo continued for one more season before Nishu made the switch to Kerala Blasters FC, but their time together remains one of the standout full-back pairings in the club's ISL history. (ANI)
India Gazette
30-06-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Mohun Bagan Super Giant's all-time best XI in ISL: Ultimate Mariners line-up since 2020
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], June 30 (ANI): Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) may have only joined the Indian Super League (ISL) in the 2020-21 season, but their influence on the competition has been far from short-lived. In just a few years, the Mariners have emerged as a dominant force, defined by their unwavering consistency, bold ambition, and relentless pursuit of silverware, as per the official website of ISL. The Kolkata giants have made it to the playoffs every single time, which speaks volumes about their planning and winning mentality. Not just that, but with back-to-back ISL Shields, two ISL Cups, and numerous iconic wins along the way, Mohun Bagan Super Giant have rapidly cemented their status among the elite clubs in the ISL. Whether through moments of tactical brilliance, attacking flair, or defensive steel, the team has rarely compromised on quality. Their squads have boasted both Indian stalwarts and high-profile international names, making our task of selecting an all-time ISL starting XI incredibly challenging. Each season has brought new heroes, but we've tried to strike a balance. While Arindam Bhattacharja impressed in Mohun Bagan Super Giant's debut ISL season, winning the Golden Glove with 10 clean sheets in 23 matches, and Amrinder Singh showcased his brilliance the following year, it's Vishal Kaith who earns the nod as our goalkeeper for the Mariners' all-time XI. Kaith's consistency over the last three seasons has been remarkable. Since joining the club, he has made 75 appearances, recorded 35 clean sheets, and conceded just 69 goals. His performances between the sticks have been key to the team's recent success, helping them win two ISL Shields and two ISL Cups. Crucially, Kaith played an instrumental role in both ISL Cup final victories and has won the Golden Glove twice in the last three seasons, making him a clear standout for this position. Just like Kaith, Asish Rai joined Mohun Bagan Super Giant ahead of the 2022-23 season, and has since become a mainstay on the right flank. Known for his work rate, defensive awareness, and attacking overlaps, Rai has brought the right balance to the team's right-hand side. Rai has made 66 appearances so far, contributing to 20 clean sheets. In attack, he has also provided four assists and scored one goal, a memorable strike against his former club, Hyderabad FC, in the 2023-24 season. Under Juan Ferrando, he even operated in more advanced roles at times. His consistency, versatility, and ability to contribute on both ends of the pitch make him a deserving inclusion in this all-time XI. Pritam Kotal may have moved on, but he will always be remembered as a fan favourite and a cornerstone of Mohun Bagan Super Giant's early ISL years. A natural leader, Kotal mastered both the right-back and right centre-back roles with equal confidence and consistency. In his 68 appearances over three seasons with the Mariners, he played a key role in organising the defence and helped the team lift one ISL Cup. He was everything you'd want in the spine of a successful team: vocal, commanding, and fully committed, with a superb reading of the game and often underrated technical ability. His reliability and leadership in high-pressure moments give him the edge over Sandesh Jhingan for this position in our all-time XI. Alberto Rodriguez made an instant impact in his debut campaign, taking an already solid defence to the next level alongside Tom Aldred. His influence at both ends of the pitch was crucial, as he played a key role in helping the Mariners achieve a historic ISL double in the 2024-25 season. Rodriguez was involved in 14 of the team's 16 clean sheets, displaying his excellent positional sense, calmness under pressure, and sharp defensive instincts. He also made a difference in attack, contributing five goals and one assist, proving to be a consistent threat on set-pieces. His dominance in both boxes and composure in a debut season in a new league give him the edge over other strong contenders like Tiri and Aldred, who also had a terrific debut year. No need for an explanation about this selection. Subhasish Bose has been Mohun Bagan Super Giant's most dependable left-back in the ISL era and arguably one of the best the league has ever seen in his position. A true leader on and off the pitch, Bose took over the captaincy following Pritam Kotal's departure and has since led the team to two ISL Shields and one ISL Cup in just two seasons. He has been with the club since their ISL debut and has remained a regular over the past five seasons, playing as a left-back, occasionally in advanced roles, and even as a centre-back when required. With 115 appearances and involvement in 47 clean sheets, his defensive reliability speaks for itself. Most impressively, in the 2024-25 season, Bose showcased a new dimension to his game by scoring six goals, the most ever by a defender in a single ISL campaign. There's no doubt that Carl McHugh's defensive stability in midfield was a key factor in Mohun Bagan Super Giant's strong start in the ISL. His presence played a major role in helping the team establish itself as a serious contender from the very beginning. A tireless worker and a coach's dream, McHugh made 60 appearances for the Mariners across three seasons. Known for his intelligence and adaptability, he often dropped deep between the centre-backs to help build play from the back, while also breaking up opposition attacks with sharp anticipation. His grit, determination and ability to read the game made him an essential part of the team's core during those formative years in the ISL. With such consistency and influence, McHugh earns a well-deserved spot in this all-time XI. Many may feel it's too soon to include Apuia in Mohun Bagan Super Giant's all-time XI, but his impact in just one season has been nothing short of transformational. The Indian international fulfilled a dream long held by the MBSG fans, helping the club achieve an ISL double in the 2024-25 season. Arriving with high expectations following a major summer move, Apuia rose to the occasion and took complete control of the midfield. He was the heartbeat of the team, linking defence and attack, dictating tempo, winning duels, and even stepping up with a match-winning goal when needed. While Deepak Tangri has been a consistent figure in MBSG's midfield for years, Apuia's numbers and leadership in an ISL double-winning campaign make his inclusion in this XI hard to overlook. Another player who has been representing Mohun Bagan Super Giant since they entered into the ISL is Manvir Singh, who rightfully earned his place in this all-time XI. A versatile forward capable of operating across the front line, he has mostly been deployed on the right wing, where he has consistently delivered in key moments. Throughout his time at the club, Singh has registered 23 goals and 18 assists, blending strength, speed, and a tireless work ethic to become a mainstay in the Mariners' attack. His impact, particularly in high-stakes matches, has solidified his reputation as one of the most reliable and valuable Indian forwards in the league. Since joining Mohun Bagan Super Giant in 2022, Dimitri Petratos has been at the heart of everything good in attack. The Australian forward has delivered in pressure moments time and again, becoming a fan favourite with his eye for goal and creative spark. In just 70 appearances, Petratos has scored 26 goals, the highest total in the club's ISL history, and added 17 assists, showcasing his ability to both finish and create chances. His influence has been key in the Mariners' most successful run, which includes two ISL Cups and back-to-back ISL Shields. A complete modern forward with leadership qualities, Petratos has etched his name into club folklore with consistent match-winning performances. Liston Colaco has been enjoying the best phase of his career at Mohun Bagan Super Giant since arriving from Hyderabad FC. Over the past four seasons, he has been a consistent force down the left flank, delivering with flair, pace, and precision. His quick feet, ability to strike from distance, and signature knuckleball technique, both in open play and from set-pieces, have made him a nightmare for defenders. Whether it's creating chances or finishing them, Colaco has been a vital part of the Mariners' attacking play. Given his impact and consistency, he is an easy choice for the left wing in our all-time XI. Roy Krishna was the heartbeat of Mohun Bagan Super Giant's attack during their early years in the ISL, especially under Antonio Habas. He was a constant threat to opposition defences with his intelligence and an unmatched work ethic. Though the Mariners narrowly missed out on silverware during his two-season spell, Krishna's impact was undeniable. His movement, link-up play, and knack for delivering in high-pressure moments made him a complete striker and a fan favourite. In the Green and Maroon shirt, Krishna recorded 21 goals and 12 assists, consistently delivering on the biggest stages. While Jason Cummings has been outstanding over the past two seasons, it's Krishna's role in shaping the club's attacking identity during its formative ISL years that gives him the edge in this all-time XI. Antonio Lopez Habas gets the nod as head coach in this all-time XI, thanks to his two impactful spells with Mohun Bagan Super Giant. While the team narrowly missed out on silverware during his first stint, his return proved historic, guiding the Mariners to their first-ever ISL Shield. Habas's ability to manage high-profile players across both spells, instill a winning mentality, and consistently compete at the top level gives him the edge over Jose Molina, who won the ISL double in his debut season with the Mariners. (ANI)
News18
31-05-2025
- Sport
- News18
Mumbai City Pay Tribute To Departing Bipin Singh With Heartfelt Gesture
Last Updated: Mumbai City, winners of the 2023-24 Indian Super League, retire Bipin Singh Thounaojam's jersey number 29 as he departs after seven years. Mumbai City, winners of the 2023-24 Indian Super League, have decided to retire Bipin Singh Thounaojam's jersey number 29, as the winger departs the club after seven long years with the team. His contract expires on Saturday, May 31, and the club decided to honour his immense contribution. Bipin joined Mumbai City in 2018 after stints with Shillong Lajong and Atletico de Kolkata and went on to become one of the most important figures in the team's history. During his time with the club, Bipin won two ISL Cups and two ISL Shields, playing a crucial role for the team over the years gone by. 2️⃣9️⃣ ???????????????????????????? 🙌To honour his contributions and carrying forward his legacy, #MumbaiCity will retire his jersey number, '29", as a mark of respect for a true legend of the club 👏 #VivaBipinSingh #AamchiCity 🔵 — Mumbai City FC (@MumbaiCityFC) May 31, 2025 Bipin was a key member of Mumbai City's historic 2020-21 campaign, where they became the first team to win both the Indian Super League Cup and Shield in the same season. Bipin's brilliant match-winning goal in the final against ATK Mohun Bagan remains one of the most memorable moments in Indian Super League history. He bagged his second Indian Super League Cup in the 2023-24 season, making a decisive impact in the final with a brilliant goal, having been part of the team that bagged the League Shield in 2022-23 as well. With 158 appearances and 28 goals, Bipin departs as the most capped player in the team's history. 'Bipin has been a pillar of our squad through the most historic moments in the club's timeline. He complemented this and his key goal contributions over the years with his positive team persona on and off the pitch," said Sujay Sharma, Director of Football, Mumbai City. According to reports, East Bengal has completed the signing of Bipin on a multi-year contract ahead of the 2025-26 season.
The Hindu
31-05-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Mumbai City to retire Jersey No. 29 to honour departing Bipin Singh
Mumbai City will retire jersey number 29 in honour of Bipin Singh, who will leave the Indian Super League club when his contract expires on Saturday, the club announced. With 158 appearances and 28 goals, Bipin departs as the most capped player in Mumbai City history. The winger is set to join East Bengal ahead of the next season, as reported by Sportstar. 'It's hard to say goodbye, but I leave with nothing but gratitude in my heart,' Bipin said. 'Mumbai City has been my home for seven unforgettable years. This club has given me everything. To the fans, teammates, staff, and everyone who's been part of this journey, thank you for the love and belief. Mumbai City will always be a part of me.' The winger from Manipur joined the Islanders in 2018 after stints with Shillong Lajong and Atletico de Kolkata. During his time with Mumbai City, he won two Indian Super League Cups and two ISL Shields. Bipin played a crucial role in the club's historic 2020-21 season, when Mumbai became the first team to win both the ISL Cup and Shield in the same year. He also scored the match-winning goal in the final against ATK Mohun Bagan. He secured his second ISL Cup in the 2023-24 season, scoring the team's second goal in the final. He was also part of the squad that claimed the League Shield in 2022-23.
