Bengaluru FC announce second foreign signing after Erik Paartalu

After luring Erik Paartalu from Australian shores, the JSW club has got another ex-Barcelona connection in their ranks after manager Albert Roca.

New Indian Super League joiners Bengaluru FC have announced their second foreigner for the upcoming season. After Erik Paartalu, the JSW-group owned club announced its second signing in style, by uploading a teaser on social networking platform Facebook. 

 

The player, clearly, has played for FC Barcelona, Numancia and Western Sydney Wanderers. After Cameron Watson's departure, Bengaluru FC's love for Australia and its club is understandable. Erik Paartalu, too, plied his trade with Melbourne City FC. 

Also Read: No, it's not Tim Cahill, it's Erik Paartalu

Dimas is a Spanish footballer and plays as a midfielder. The 34-year-old played for Barcelona B from 2006-08 and is known for his smooth distribution and game-controlling skills. Delgado has played 284 games at the senior level in various leagues, which proves his immense exposure and experience, something which will come handy next season for the JSW side. 

A teaser to what lays ahead of the West Block Blues and Indian football fans!

After signing defensive midfielder Erik Paartalu, Bengaluru FC has made their intentions clear with another midfielder. The Albert Roca-coached side is set to control the tempo of games against other Indian clubs, who usually spend heavily in defence and attacking zones on the pitch. 

Also Read: Sunil Chhetri, Udanta Singh sign new 3 years deal with Bengaluru FC

Delgado also possesses the ability to play on the right wing, something which we give Roca an added advantage. Having played 28 games last season, there's no question on Delgado's match-fitness and importance to his team. The former Numancia midfielder scored three goals and made two assists and garnered nine yellow cards, which shows he has a physical side to his game. 

Santa Coloma-born Dimas, who began his career at Catalonia-based Spanish lower league side Gramenet in 2002, made the move to FC Barcelona in 2006. He represented FC Barcelona Reserves for two seasons, before joining newly-promoted La Liga side Numancia in 2008. He was a mainstay in his side’s midfield, racking up 20 top-flight appearances in the club’s third La Liga stint post-2000.

A three-year stint at Numancia was followed by spells at Cartagena (2011-12) and Recreativo Huelva (2012-15) in the Segunda Division. Having played over 400 games in Spanish football, Dimas made his first overseas move joining Western Sydney Wanderers.

“I’m very excited to join Bengaluru FC and it will be a fantastic experience for me and my family in India. I can’t wait to start and get to know everyone at the club along with my teammates and staff,” said Dimas having put pen to paper on a one-year deal.

“I will give my best every single day to help my team and all the players, and hope to take the club to even bigger heights,” he added.

Coach Albert Roca, who was assistant at Barcelona when Delgado was with the B side, said he was aware of the quality that the midfielder will bring to Bengaluru. “I’ve seen Dimas from close quarters and have no doubt about his quality and experience. He is a hardworking and good professional and we’re confident this stint will be a successful one.” 

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His experience proved vital for the team as they finished runners-up in the 2015-16 season after being placed ninth in the previous campaign. The following year, Dimas was named the captain of the side and led them to the finals series as well as in the AFC Champions League. Over two seasons, Dimas made a total of 59 appearances, while netting six goals in all competitions for the Sydney-side.

The heavily-experienced player is capable of transition play, recovering second balls and also has the right Spanish flair to beat men on the ground quite easily.