Five positions Jamshedpur FC need to strengthen in upcoming season

The Men of Steel finished 10th in the 2022-23 ISL season.

Coming into the 2022-23 season, Jamshedpur FC had blazed a pretty glorious path for themselves. One that was ushered with the club’s first title in the form of the ISL league shield. The team representing the city of Jamshedpur, won millions of hearts through their impeccable performances and tales of glory.

With an aim of further extending this glory, Jamshedpur set on the trail for a new beginning, as they made some big moves in the transfer market, bringing in English manager Aidy Boothroyd to replace Owen Coyle. 

The club and its management knew the risks of such a revamp, but still gambled, and unfortunately it didn’t pay off. Jamshedpur had lost the track coming into the first few games of the season, and picked only four points in their first 10 games. 

Despite having a strong team on paper, Jamshedpur couldn't deliver on the pitch, and were dazed at times courtesy of which, they finished in such a poor position despite a positive finish.

Amongst all this talks about a dreadful Jamshedpur season, there is one bright spark that gives the Red Miners hope for the upcoming season, and that is the positive performances they had coming into the final stretch of the season. Their last few games showcased a lot of quality, and progress.

Mistakes were rectified, and the problems that had existed all season long were finally getting solved. A new head coach also gives the fans hope of an upheaval. Boothroyd is set to depart the club after a single season in charge, as Scott Cooper replaces the outgoing manager for the 2023-24 season.

Although their shift in gear last season is a reason for optimism, Jamshedpur have a lot of work to do off-season, to ensure such a calamity doesn’t strike in the future. Keeping that in mind, here are five positions that the club needs to strengthen in the upcoming season.

5. Attacking midfielder

One of the biggest problems for Jamshedpur this season was their inefficiency in front of the goal. The Red Miners scored only 21 goals in the league, which was the lowest after NorthEast United. The prime reason behind this was the absence of Rafael Crivellaro, Jamshedpur’s main attacking mastermind. 

Crivellaro missed the majority of the season due to his fitness issues, and Jamshedpur had no other player to provide that extra bit of flair that was needed to facilitate attacks. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that Jamshedpur find a suitable replacement for such a crucial position.

4. Striker

Both of Jamshedpur FC’s overseas front men this season - Daniel Chima Chukwu and Harry Sawyer, had a season to forget as they were highly disappointing in front of the goal. The two attackers had a combined goal and assist tally of just seven goals and seven assists, despite playing the majority of the games in the season. The two hardly had a shot on target every match, with their average shot on target per game being 0.8 and 0.7 respectively.

Whilst Chukwu still fitted in Aidy’s plans, and he also showed his potential in the final few outings of the season, Sawyer completely fell short of expectations, and lost his place in the starting 11. 

Now, as a revamp is set to take place, it is getting increasingly likely that the Aussie will be on the move this summer, as Jamshedpur will look for an ideal replacement in the final third.

Indian talent Ishan Pandita, who rose to stardom as a super-sub, is also set to leave the club.

3. Right Back

Laldinliana Renthlei was Jamshedpur’s regular starter in the right back position this season, and despite his decent defensive abilities, the player lacks the kind of attacking traits that is expected of the wing back these days. 

Laldinliana had zero goal contributions last season, and his attacking numbers were substantially low. Also, the inclusion of a more offensive-oriented player can help Ritwik immensely, as the star Jamshedpur player will have a major support down the right flank and has signed a long-term extension with the club.

4. Defensive midfielder 

Often considered as one of the most important and difficult positions in football, the work of a defensive midfielder is difficult and important. And despite Jamshedpur having somewhat the perfect man for the job, there are some deep underlying problems.

Jamshedpur’s main defensive midfielder, Pronay Halder, has a number of injury problems that has very much limited his gametime. Pronoy made just nine appearances last season, and cannot be solely relied upon with the task of handling such a crucial area of the field. 

Also, the inclusion of a solid CDM would allow Jay Emmanuel-Thomas to play in a more attacking position, where he can further excel, courtesy of his creativity and skill.

5. Goalkeeper

From being the guardian of the goal, to the starting point of attacks, being a goalkeeper is a very demanding task. The goalkeeper’s responsibilities are utmost, as a single mistake by them can lead to a goal. That is why, Jamshedpur need to be very cautious when deciding their main man in between the sticks for the coming season. 

Rehenesh T.P., despite being a very experienced player, lacks the fitness level that is expected from a player, and also missed a number of games last season. Also, their second choice keeper Vishal Yadav is just 20 years old, and needs a lot more game time in order to be ready for that position of being the number one keeper for his team.

All of these situations direct towards one resolution, that being the signing of a trusted goalkeeper, one that ensures that Jamshedpur’s goal is unequivocally guarded.