ISL: Three ways in which Akash Mishra will bolster Mumbai City FC

The Islanders will now be a more robust unit after the inclusion Akash Mishra.

Mumbai City FC are not resting on their laurels and have signed Akash Mishra from Hyderabad FC. The Islanders won the Indian Super League Shield during the 2022-23 edition of the competition. They were outstanding throughout the campaign and were deserving winners of the league stage in the end.

Des Buckingham knows that the challenge to replicate the results in the next season is going to be tough. In order to stay at the top, the club is bringing one of the best left-backs that India has to offer. Akash Mishra had been sensational for Hyderabad FC, winning the ISL 2021-22 with them and taking them to back-to-back playoffs qualification.

He is a regular starter in the Indian national team as well and brings immense quality to the side. His arrival will certainly transform Mumbai City FC who already boast of a strong squad and provide a brilliant balance between domestic and foreign players. 

As the high-profile transfer saga is now complete, here are the three following ways in which Mishra can help Mumbai City FC.

More Dynamism

Akash Mishra’s inclusion in the Mumbai City FC squad will have an incredible impact. The left-back is more agile and quicker than someone like Vignesh Dakshinamurthy (who was a part of the Akash Mishra deal and made way to HFC). In his games for Hyderabad FC, one saw Mishra efficiently sprint up and down the flanks in order to contribute to both attack and defence.

While Vignesh is a brilliant defender, his quality in the final third lacked precision. On the other hand, Akash Mishra is habitual in making overlapping runs and delivering pinpoint crosses. This dynamism will make MCFC an even more threatening team on the attack.

Implementation of New Formation

Des Buckingham can tweak things when Akash Mishra is available for selection. The left-back can efficiently play as a wing-back with a three-man backline covering the goal. Another defender can be added as a left-sided centre-back to additionally protect the flank when Mishra is causing mayhem with his pace and energy up front.

Akash Mishra, combining with players like Bipin Singh will add more threat. With both pacey players on the left flank, MCFC will cause a world of trouble on the wide channel and create scoring chances aplenty for the strikers in the box.

Longevity 

Akash Mishra is a brilliant player to have for selection for any head coach/manager. He delivers peak performances game after game and does not let fatigue get the better of him. His work rate is second to none and his record with injuries is impressive.

Mumbai City FC need players who will be consistent and Mishra fits that profile. During his time at HFC, he consistently finished games with the most touches out of all players. For a full-back to do that is beyond impressive.

The 21-year-old already has 62 ISL appearances under his belt. His experience is going to be essential in keeping MCFC challenging for trophies. Furthermore, the full-back has room for improvement and will evolve as a player in the years to come. His acquisition will erase any defensive requirements for the near future and will give the Islanders an edge over their competition.