Profile: Will Paulo Retre be able to replace Edu Bedia at FC Goa?

Paulo Retre will be the FC Goa's next midfield general.

Paulo Retre, an Australian defensive midfielder, has made a name for himself in the A-League with his tenacity, versatility, and technical skills. With his recent move to FC Goa, Retre is set to make an impact and potentially fill the void left by the departure of Edu Bedia.

Here we will have a look at what the midfielder brings to the table.

Prior experience

Paulo Retre began his professional career in the A-League with Melbourne Victory's youth team. After representing the youth team, he made his first-team appearance in a friendly against LA Galaxy.

He later moved to Melbourne Heart, where he scored his debut A-League goal in a memorable 2-1 victory over his former side Melbourne Victory. Retre continued his development by playing for FFV NTC and Bentleigh Greens before joining Melbourne City in 2013.

After accumulating 53 appearances for Melbourne City, in June 2017, Retre made a switch to Sydney FC, one of the most successful clubs in the A-League. During his time with Sydney FC, he exhibited remarkable consistency and versatility, featuring in multiple midfield positions and making a total of 139 appearances. Retre's performance helped Sydney FC secure several trophies, including the A-League Championship and the A-League Premiership.

Type of player

Paulo Retre is primarily known for his defensive qualities and his ability to provide stability in midfield. He possesses excellent positional awareness, allowing him to break up opposition attacks and intercept passes effectively. His tactical intelligence enables him to read the game well, making timely challenges and interceptions.

Furthermore, Retre's technical abilities make him a well-rounded player. He is comfortable on the ball, displaying good passing range and accuracy. His composure under pressure enables him to distribute the ball efficiently and initiate attacking plays. Retre's work rate is commendable as well, as he consistently tracks back to support the defence and contributes to the team's overall defensive solidity.

What he brings to the team

With Edu Bedia's departure after an illustrious six-year spell at FC Goa, Paulo Retre steps in to fill the void. Under the guidance of new head coach Manolo Márquez, Retre's unique skillset will prove invaluable to the team's tactical approach. Márquez is likely to appreciate Retre's defensive discipline, work-rate, and ability to control the tempo of the game from midfield.

Retre's experience in the A-League, combined with his adaptability, will help him settle into the demands of Indian football and the playing style of FC Goa. His strong positional sense and defensive prowess will provide stability to the backline, protecting the team from counter-attacks and offering defensive cover when needed. Additionally, his ability to distribute the ball accurately will contribute to the team's build-up play and facilitate attacking opportunities.

Moreover, Retre's experience in playing for successful A-League clubs like Sydney FC will bring leadership and a winning mentality to FC Goa. He has been a part of winning squads and has tasted success on numerous occasions. His experience and understanding of high-pressure situations will be invaluable to the team, especially during crucial matches.