How East Bengal could line up in ISL 2023-24

East Bengal are all set for yet another season under a new think-tank.

East Bengal will be heading into their fourth season in the Indian Super League (ISL) with high hopes and fans’ expectations resting on their shoulders. After three undermining seasons, East Bengal are looking to finally make a mark in the league with a new coach and new foreigners in the squad.

This time, it is former ISL-winning coach Carles Cuadrat’s chance to command the team and give directions to the Lal Holud. Having already won the league with Bengaluru FC in 2019, Cuadrat will be looking to add more silverware to both his and the club’s impressive records. The club has undergone yet another summer overhaul.

At the apex of that exodus were notable signings like Kerala Blasters captain and star goalkeeper duo Harmanjot Khabra and Prabhsukhan Singh Gill. Nishu Kumar is yet another Tusker who has joined his teammates from down south. Winger Nandhakumar Sekar has left the dark hues of Odisha for the Red and Gold.

Additionally, the arrivals also boast of an impressive foreign contingent featuring former Juggernauts’ midfielder Saul Crespo, Nizams’ forward and midfielder duo Javi Siverio and Borja Herrera. Perth Glory’s former center-back Jordan Elsey followed in the footsteps of Jason Cummings, Roy Krishna, and David Williams and decided to leave the A-League for ISL. Two-time ISL League Winners Shield winner Mandar Rao Dessai has also made the switch. Add to that the signings of youngsters like Gursimrat Singh Gill, Vanlalpeka Guite, and Gurnak Singh Grewal and you have a squad with intent, experience, and the ability to deliver.

But how will the Red and Gold Brigade shape up in the upcoming campaign with such a talented bunch of players? Here is how East Bengal could line up in the ISL 2023-24 season.

GK: Prabhsukhan Singh Gill 

ISL 2021-22 Golden Glove winner Prabhsukhan Singh Gill was the star of the summer transfer window for East Bengal. Gill kept a whopping seven clean sheets two seasons ago and kept another four last season, demonstrating his catlike reflexes. His arrival will be crucial for Cuadrat’s defensive stronghold as his command of the box and fingertip saves would be the building block for this East Bengal unit.

RB: Harmanjot Khabra

Former Blasters captain and veteran right-back has already demonstrated his prowess like a lot of the others on this list in the Durand Cup derby win over Mohun Bagan Super Giant. Once again his energetic transitioning will allow the Torchbearers to not only have an additional option on the flank in attack but also have a leader in defense during counter-attacks. He has already been named captain and can be expected to continue in that role. 

CB: Lalchungnunga

The towering Indian center-back had a flying start last season and was one of East Bengal’s best Indian defenders. Although the season ended in dismay, his performances were solid at the back as his athletic prowess allowed him to block multiple attempts and tackle nimble-footed attackers. He can be expected to slot right back in for Cuadrat’s preferred eleven. 

CB: Jose Pardo

Jose Pardo is an versatilfe player who can fit into many positions. Currently, with Jordan Elsey out for a long-term injury, Pardo will be given the responsibility of shielding the backline.

LB: Mandar Rao Dessai

The former Islanders’ and Gaurs’ captain adds pace, control and cover on the left flank. Last season, Jerry was a solid presence in the same position but this time out, it is the high-flying wingback who can be expected to vie for the position more often. Mandar’s covering abilities as well as tenacity to peg the opposition’s winger back will be vital for Cuadrat’s free-flowing possession-based football.

CM: Saul Crespo

Odisha FC hero Saul Crespo was roped in following a stellar 2022-23 season with the Kalinga Warriors as he scored thrice in the Durand Cup 2022 and helped them to their maiden trophy - the Hero Super Cup. With tiki-taka in his blood, the Spaniard can be expected to maintain a fluid passage of passes as he controls both the midfield and the tempo of the game in favour of his team. 

CM: Souvik Chakrabarti

Rag-tag Mohun Bagan academy product Souvik Chakrabarti swapped the Nizams’ yellow for East Bengal’s Red and Gold last season. The tough-tackling midfield general was groomed into a robust yet gritty number six under the tutelage of Manolo Marquez. With Souvik, Cuadrat can expect to get a decent passing range with additional defensive cover. 

RW: Nandhakumar Sekar

Torchbearers’ derby hero Nandhakumar has already displayed his prowess on the right wing as it was his goal that allowed them to register their first win after four years of derby upsets. Nandha is an out-and-out right-footed player who can be deployed on either flank but loves playing on the right as his equally deadly left foot can give opponents a hard time. Six goals and one assist in the league last time are testimony to his effectiveness and will be a major positive for the Kolkata-based outfit. 

AM: Borja Herrera

Borja’s ability to function as a Mezzala gives him a clinical edge if he starts in the number 10 position as he can allow Naorem and Nandha to shift inside and have more offensive synergy with Cleiton or Javi Siverio. The Spanish midfielder was a crucial part of Hyderabad FC, scoring four and assisting five times. Cuadrat will hope he has adjusted to the league in a season’s time and can at least match that tally, if not better it.  

LW: Naorem Mahesh

East Bengal’s latest revelation recently blossomed into a national team star as well, helping his side win the SAFF Cup 2023 with three assists and two goals. Mahesh is a workhorse and is an excellent combination with a mezzala like Borja Herrera as they can easily swap positions to confuse the opposition. If his usual twinkle-toed self is not busy harrowing defenders to get a shot on goal or tee up a teammate, he will be out helping his team recover the ball. 

CF: Cleiton Silva

Having joined the side under Stephen Constantine, former Bengaluru ace Cleiton Silva defied all odds and went head-to-head with Diego Mauricio and Dimitri Petratos for the Golden Boot last season. In-fact, the clinical Brazilian only lost out to Mauricio on a goals-per-minute ratio as he matched his and Petratos’ tally of 12 goals. Carles Cuadrat can rely on the veteran to wriggle out of tight spaces with his exquisite dribbling to get on the end of chances as well as to finish from almost impossible angles.