How Mohun Bagan could line up in ISL 2023-24

Mohun Bagan recently lifted the Durand Cup 2023 title.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant are all set to kick-start their 2023-24 Indian Super League campaign against Punjab FC on Saturday, 23 September. The Mariners will be defending their ISL playoff title and also be pushing to win the league stages in the upcoming edition.

The Kolkata heavyweights have one of the most stacked, star-studded squads in the league. They have multiple quality options in almost every single position and are blessed with impressive depth. With that being said, Khel Now looks at how Juan Ferrando’s side are likely to line up in the upcoming campaign.

Goalkeeper: Vishal Kaith

Vishal Kaith will keep his place in the No. 1 spot after grabbing the ISL Golden Glove and playing a major role in his side’s title win last season.

Right-Back: Asish Rai

Rai is coming of an impressive debut campaign for the Mariners and remains a well-drilled product on the right, being menacing with his forward runs, crosses and defensively steadiness.

Centre-Back: Anwar Ali

Anwar Ali has already excelled for Mohun Bagan in their AFC Cup games and looks a perfect fit. The commanding centre-back will feature heavily and look to bully the ISL forwards with his assertive style.

Centre-Back: Hector Yuste

Yuste will be forming a new-look centre-back partnership at Mohun Bagan. An aggressive, hard-hitting defender, he should add more bite to the backline and be responsible for maintaining a tight defensive third.

Left-Back: Subashish Bose

The new Mohun Bagan captain will have bigger responsibilities this season. While defensively consistent, Bose will be asked to provide more attacking threat this time and hold together a sturdy backline for his side.

Defensive-Midfield: Anirudh Thapa

The India international has been reverted to a deeper role by Ferrando. He is likely to play in that No. 6 role, be responsible for breaking up play and kick-start attacking moves from deep, as well as take set-pieces to create chances.

Centre-Midfield: Sahal Abdul Samad

The Mariners’ big-money summer signing is assured to play a big role going forward. He’ll be given a free role in midfield, having the license to roam around wherever he wants. Sahal will look to create chances with his clever passing and add more goals from midfield by timing his final runs and finishing chances perfectly.

Attacking-Midfield: Dimitri Petratos

Dimitri Petratos was the Mariners’ hero last season, scoring 12 goals and providing seven assists in the ISL. This time, he’s likely to play a withdrawn role in which the Australian star will be asked to create more chances with his creative passes. As shown in the Durand Cup final, he can score impressive goals from deep and will utilize that going forward.

Right-Wing: Manvir Singh

Manvir Singh’s workhorse nature and defensive attributes have made him a favourite under Ferrando. He’s likely to keep his role on the right-wing, where he’ll be asked to create more chances with better crosses and also move into the central areas to score more goals.

Left-Wing: Hugo Boumous

Hugo Boumous has been forced to move into a wider role this season and could play in the left wing in the ISL. He’ll be playing a floating role, moving into central areas and carrying the ball into key areas. Boumous, who had nine goal contributions last season, will look to torment defenders with his smart movement – setting up and scoring goals with his crisp final product.

Centre-Forward: Jason Cummings

Mohun Bagan's biggest summer signing Jason Cummings will have a lot of responsibilities on him. He scored 21 goals in 29 appearances for the Central Coast Mariners last season and aims to replicate his heroics for the Kolkata giants. Cummings can torment defenders with his clever movement, link-up play and devastating finishing efficiency. Fans will hope he leads them to a lot of memorable wins.