How Mohun Bagan could lineup in AFC Champions League Two

The Mariners’ latest addition could give them a better defensive foundation, helping them focus more on offensive synergy.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant had a rather frustrating start to the 2024-25 AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two) campaign with a 0-0 draw against Ravshan Kulob at the Salt Lake Stadium. The Mariners were just not clinical enough to get the three points, suffering an early setback to their aspirations of finishing in the top two and moving into the competition’s knockout stages.

But the Kolkata heavyweights still have five matches to play and will see their squad bolstered by the imminent arrival of new signing Nuno Reis. The Portuguese centre-back is expected to play a big role in their continental campaign and could be in the squad for the upcoming clash against Tractor SC.

Reis is an experienced centre-back who enjoyed a lot of success with A-League club Melbourne City FC prior to his move to India. With the AFC removing the limitations on foreign players’ involvement in the starting eleven, Jose Molina can easily play Nuno without worrying about having to sacrifice any of his other foreign players.

The good thing about Reis is that he’s a versatile player who can play not only as a centre-back, but also as a defensive midfielder and a makeshift right-back. Here we look into how the Green and Maroon Brigade might line up in the AFC Champions League Two 2024-25 with Nuno Reis’ involvement.

Mohun Bagan’s Predicted Lineup for ACL Two 2024-25 (Formation: 3-4-1-2)

Goalkeeper: Vishal Kaith

Kaith remains the undisputed no.1 for Mohun Bagan. He’s had an impressive start to the season, helping the Mariners win back-to-back penalty shootouts in the Durand Cup. Kaith also kept a clean sheet in his ACL Two debut against Ravshan, making a few solid saves.

Centre-Back: Tom Aldred

Aldred was reliable and solid in the draw against Ravshan, holding together the defensive line well. The Australian centre-back is getting better with more matches in his bag and should remain a key member of the Mariners’ backline for the upcoming challenging matches.

Centre-Back: Nuno Reis

Reis could be deployed as the central figure of Molina’s preferred three-back system in the upcoming continental games. He’ll be tasked to command and hold together a stubborn backline, with a major need to communicate with his teammates and read opposition moves sharply. The 33-year-old helped Melbourne City keep seven clean sheets in 16 A-League games last season and will hope to bring that form to the Mariners.

Centre-Back: Alberto Rodriguez

As long as he can stay fully fit and free from injuries, Alberto Rodriguez will be a regular in Molina’s XI. His experience can be vital in the tough AFC Champions League Two matches, with Rodriguez boasting impressive passing ability and his physical stature to win key duels in his area.

Right Midfielder: Manvir Singh

Manvir Singh has excelled in the wing-back role at Mohun Bagan in the last year, impressing under Antonio Habas as well as Molina. His admirable work-rate and defensive qualities make him a key player in keeping things tidy on his side. Singh does, however, need to improve his final product and make better decisions in key attacking areas.

Central Midfielder: Lalengmawia Ralte (Apuia)

Even though Apuia was benched for the ACL Two opener, he should majorly feature in the games to come. The Indian international remains one of the most technically adept players in the team and his press-resistant qualities are huge for continental games. Apuia will need to improve his decision-making a little bit, but his passing qualities and ball-winning tendencies make him a big asset.

Central Midfielder: Anirudh Thapa

Thapa actually has a lot of continental football experience and is quite well-suited for this new system too. He proved that with a sturdy display in the ACL Two opener, winning back possession numerous times and moving the ball forward smoothly. His qualities on the ball and ability to help his side control possession make him a valuable pick for AFC games.

Left Midfielder: Liston Colaco

Liston Colaco appears to be the first-choice option for Molina in that left-wing option, mostly due to his dribbling ability and flexibility in getting into key areas. He has also improved his defensive qualities, making key tackles and covering areas on his side diligently. Colaco, however, missed an open scoring chance against Ravshan and needs to significantly improve his final product to be at his efficient best.

Central Attacking Midfield: Greg Stewart

Stewart has produced some good performances for Mohun Bagan since joining but is yet to tap into his chaotic best. He created a few nice chances in the cameo against Ravshan, but there will be more expected from him. Stewart needs to tap into that relentless creative playmaker that impressed at Mumbai City, be more precise with his final passes, and be consistent for the Mariners to compete strongly in the ACL Two.

Striker: Dimitri Petratos

Despite his shaky start to the 2024-25 season, Petratos remains a fan-favourite and a highly influential player in the squad. He probably needs more match sharpness to tap into his best form and everyone knows how deadly he can be when on song. Petratos needs to get himself more involved in Molina’s system and glisten up his finishing skills to prove his quality against Asian opponents.

Striker: Jamie Maclaren

Maclaren was an unused substitute in the Ravshan game but is expected to feature heavily in the coming games. There are a lot of expectations from the Australian forward after his heroics in the A-League over the years, where he scored 149 goals in 219 appearances. Maclaren is a deadly finisher who can torment defenders with his movement and link-up play, something he’ll look to use to score many goals for Mohun Bagan in the ACL Two.

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