Three ways in which Nishu Kumar will help East Bengal FC

The left-back is set to join East Bengal and can be a reinvigorating addition.

East Bengal have always been underperformers ever since their move to the top division in 2020. The Kolkata side has had multiple players and coaches who have failed to deliver time and again. But, it seems they’re back in business.

After three disappointing seasons in the Indian Top flight, East Bengal have finally taken it to their heart and are willing to make necessary amends. The Red and Gold Brigade have acquired the services of former Bengaluru FC man Carles Cuadrat who led the Blues to glory in the 2018-19 season.

It just doesn’t stop there. The historic club have also roped in Harmanjot Khabra, Borja Herrera, Saul Crespo and Javier Siverio ahead of the upcoming season. And their latest recruit is a former ISL Champion and a bright prodigy Nishu Kumar as reported by Khel Now earlier. In this article we take a look at how the young defender can help East Bengal turn the tables around.

Versatility

Nishu’s biggest strength is that he can play across multiple positions. He belongs to a rare species of footballers and is an ambipedal genius. He can operate flawlessly both as a right back and a left back. If required, Nishu can also chip in and fill in the shoes of a centre-back. His versatility coupled with his amazing game-reading abilities will give him and East Bengal an edge going into any fixture. 

Moreover, he loves being offensive and can operate on the wings as well while scoring some screamers for fun. So, all in all he’s an all round package for East Bengal who can play an important role on either ends of the pitch.

Prior experience with Carles Cuadrat

Carles Cuadrat assembled a herculean team at his disposal during Bengaluru FC’s title winning season and Nishu had a big role to play in it. The 25-year-old defender is one of Cuadrat’s most trusted lieutenants. And his reunion with the Spaniard means Nishu can again bring the best out of him.

He had always adapted to Cuadrat’s tactics and dynamic on the pitch in no time. So, him signing for East Bengal was a no brainer. Cuadrat knows how to bring the best out of him and given how the last couple of seasons unfolded for Nishu, he’ll be raring to go and prove himself. His prior experience with the manager will not just help him get the best out of him, but will also benefit the team in the process.

Upgrading the left-back position at East Bengal

Over the course of the last three seasons, East Bengal have tried and tested multiple players at the left-back position and have failed in every attempt. In its debut season, the club roped in Scottish defender Danny Fox and former Odisha FC defender Narayan Das to look after the duties at the left-back position. But, they failed big time.

As a result the club hired local lad and young prodigy Hira Mondal in the following season. Hira’s was better than the previous lot, but chose not to continue with the team the following season. And last season, they brought in Jerry Lalrinzuala who didn’t live up to the expectations.

Nishu is definitely better in most areas in comparison to the players mentioned above. He has a very good passing range coupled with his strong defensive skills. Nishu’s arrival at the club means East Bengal have finally found a reliable left back ahead of the 2023-24 season.