ATK Mohun Bagan: Five young Mariners who can make impact in 2020-21

The Mariners officially merged with ISL champions at the start of the month.

Mohun Bagan AC’s much-awaited merger with ATK is complete and we are going to see the new entity compete in the Indian Super League (ISL) next season. However, there are still a few details to be ironed out on the alliance, including which players will be in Antonio Habas’ squad for the next campaign.

Indeed, with both the Mariners and ATK possessing a bulky squad, a number of talented individuals will need to be cut out. Similarly, even the budding youngsters aren’t safe from the axe.

Only the very best will survive in this team, but Bagan have a few bright youngsters who have it in them to shine for the new entity. They could soon make an impact in the ISL and be in line for a bright future. Here are five Mohun Bagan youngsters who can make a positive impact for the new entity.

5. Vishal Sona

The Mariners had a rather dismal campaign in the U-18 I-League last season, finishing way behind ATK and arch-rivals East Bengal. However, one of the few shining lights was defender Vishal Sona’s impressive work. The versatile defender played in a number of different positions, slotting in well as a disciplined individual.

With his sturdy defensive skills and timely challenges, he helped the Mariners keep a few clean-sheets. He even scored a couple of important goals helping his side gain some points and was among his team's top scorers, as they only managed seven goals in 12 games. Regardless, Sona has the work-rate and tenacity to thrive in the new setup, as his versatility and goalscoring ability could work wonders for the teenager's prospects wth the new entity.

4. Deep Saha

Deep Saha wasn’t able to break through into the Mohun Bagan senior team under Kibu Vicuna as much as he’d have wanted to, but he still impressed the coach with his ability. The teenager has shown glimpses of his promising talent for the past couple of years, impressing for the Mariners in the IFA Shield a few years ago and also in the Zee Bangla Football League last year.

He got a couple of outings under Vicuna in cameo roles, but Saha is an instinctive goalscorer by nature. The 18-year-old can take the ball forward, has enough pace to outrun his defender and has an eye for goals. With the allied entity hunting for young, vibrant Indian strikers, Saha could make his mark next season.

3. Kiyan Nassiri

The son of East Bengal legend Jamshid Nassiri, Kiyan Nassiri has instead decided to don the ‘rival’ colours and excelled in the Green and Maroon jersey. The teenager couldn’t get many minutes for the senior team last season, but he constantly featured in their training sessions.

He also impressed Vicuna in training, with his promising ability with the ball earning him some rave reviews. Nassiri’s a skillful attacker who can create chances and work wonders on his own as well. As long as he can polish his final product, the winger can soar in the new entity and become a possible replacement for Nongdamba Naorem as well.

2. Subha Ghosh

The breakout star for Mohun Bagan last season, Subha Ghosh proved that he’s the real deal for the future. The teenager acted as a super-sub for Kibu Vicuna’s side, scoring some very nice goals off the bench to prove his ability. Not just that, his ability to outpace and outwit defenders makes him a difficult man to keep a lid on.

Ghosh scored three goals for the Mariners last season and displayed the instincts of a natural goalscorer. He just needs to improve his physicality and control in the final third, upon doing which he can surely lead the line for the new entity very soon.

1. Sk Sahil

Sk. Sahil was probably the find of the I-League season last time around, turning out to be a revelation under Vicuna’s management. The teenager was one of Mohun Bagan’s youth academy products that impressed the tactician and he showed no fear slotting him right into the starting XI. Sahil took little time to adapt, acting as a hard-working, assertive midfielder who provided a distinct bite in the middle of the park.

Sahil’s proactive nature, tough-tackling ability and defensive sturdiness allowed the others to romp forward in numbers, while his efficient passing ability helped his side as well. He won plaudits with his tenacious work in midfield and given how comfortable he was, Sahil should be a prominent member of the new entity’s squad next season.