Five things we learned about FC Goa in the ACL campaign so far

The Gaurs have registered two draws and a defeat so far in the AFC Champions League.

Since FC Goa made their historic ACL debut, the Gaurs have now faced all of their three opponents in the ACL group. Three matches later, there were certain surprises as well as expected outcomes. FC Goa began their campaign with consecutive draws against Al Rayyan and Al Wahda but went down to previous season's ACL runners up Persepolis FC.

To see it more closely, in the first three matches, Juan Ferrando and FC goa has held former France & PSG manager Laurent Blanc, as well as ex-Ajax, Chelsea and FC Barcelona tactician Henk ten Cate. The Gaurs have gained plaudits from all fans and pundits alike, even from the opposition coaches. However, as they have faced all three of their group opposition already, the path to the knockout stages of the ACL will only become tougher for FC Goa.

Here are five key things that we learned FC Goa and their ACL campaign so far.

5. FC Goa should tie Juan Ferrando down for long-term

There is no doubt about the solid work that Juan Ferrando has done. He has come to Goa, inherited a very different team from the one that won the shield in the 2019-20 season and managed to maintain the level of performance while utilizing all the players to their maximum. On top of that, he has shown an inane ability to understand the strengths of all the young Indians within the squad and has given them responsibilities and roles that many seasoned managers might not think of.

The likes of Romario, Glan, Saviour, Sanson, Devendra, Ishan and Dheeraj has shown tremendous improvement during the 2020-21 ISL campaign as well as the ongoing ACL campaign. Despite heavy losses from the Indian contingent like Mandar, Lenny, Jackichand and Doungel - the Spaniard has kept working on his team, pushing them to a memorable ACL campaign so far. Dheeraj’s genesis into his current stature can be partly credited to Ferrando, who believed in the youngster to prove himself despite numerous calls for his replacement, .

4. Bench strength part of FC Goa’s woes

While almost every member of the Gaurs' starting XI has performed admirably in the first three games, the bench needs to step up to match the intensity. Whenever Juan Ferrando has turned to his bench for a boost of energy or motivation, they looked to have come up short. The only creditable boost was provided by Devendra Murgaonkar in the latter stages of the game against Al-Wahda but even he too failed to deliver against Persepolis FC. The likes of Gama, Adil, Princeton and Devendra need to grow into the game, especially whenever the team needs to make an impact.

3. Lack of hold-up affecting build-up play

The Asian defenders in the west region are tall, brutish and unbudgeable to say the least. The key to unlock such defenses rest upon the striker and unless his hold-up play is absolutely on the spot, the entire effort struggles.

Apart from the previous ACL game against Persepolis, FC Goa have been adept at keeping the ball in their half. However, as soon as the outlet ball is sent forth, the possession gets switched. This lack of holding up has been a huge detriment to the progression of play, which Goa are normally adept at and both Pandita and Ortiz have struggled in the role.

The only time FC Goa looked threatening was when they took the direct approach with pace, utilizing Devendra’s agility to create chances. But, that approach seems effective only during the latter stages of the game when players are seemingly less alert. Both Pandita and Ortiz will need to show more hunger towards being involved in the game to make sure that FC Goa have a chance to advance in the latter stages of the ACL.

2. Glan Martins deserves an India call-up

Long story short, there are many creative midfielders in India. There are the upfield playmakers like Brandon Fernandes while there are also deep-lying players like Rowllin Borges and Anirudh Thapa. What they desperately need is a destroyer and Glan Martins fits the bill perfectly. The FC Goa midfielder has registered a mind-blowing eight tackles, five interceptions and four clearances in the three ACL games so far while winning nearly 50% of his aerial and ground duels.

https://twitter.com/KhelNow/status/1382430962307371011

He has been an efficient screen in front of the defense, stifling counter attacks. He is no mean feat on the ball either, registering a 85% passing accuracy till now. His presence allows the likes of Edu Bedia to venture forward for the Gaurs and could bolster the creativity within the Indian squad as well. Despite a forgettable outing against Persepolis, Glan has largely impressed and deserves a chance to prove himself in the national team.

1. Dheeraj Singh is the future of India's goalkeeping

14 saves and two clean sheets in the first three games, along with two nominations as the goalkeeper in the AFC Champions League Matchday Team of the Round. A shaky ISL Campaign had led to critics and analysts calling for his exclusion from the starting lineup. However, Ferrando trusted the 20-year-old and now he has repaid the trust with stellar performances in the first three matches.

https://twitter.com/KhelNow/status/1383459441832390663

Dheeraj has improved his shot-stopping in the last couple of months, as well as his decision making ability when it comes to collections, punches and being involved in playing out from the back. His timely penalty save against Persepolis was crucial in keeping FC Goa in the game and he looks to be improving with every match. His remarkable growth is great news for India as he looks like the future of Indian football team's goalkeeping department.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Twitter, Instagram and join our community on Telegram.