Bengaluru FC coach Gerard Zaragoza reveals plan on using Alberto Noguera

The Spanish midfielder dominated the midfield with ninety percent passing accuracy

Bengaluru FC started their Indian Super League (ISL), new season on a positive note. The Blues defeated East Bengal FC by a one-goal margin, scored by the youngster Vinith Venkatesh in the 26th minute of the game at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Friday night. 

Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza praised BFC’s new signing, Alberto Noguera, who debuted for the club after spending two years with Mumbai City FC. 

In response to a question about Alberto Noguera in the post-match press conference, Gerard Zaragoza stated that the good thing about him is that he did not lose the ball. “He’s an experienced player. The good thing with him, you know, is that we can give him the ball, and he does not lose the ball. He can keep the ball with him for long,” quipped Gerard Zaragoza. 

He also mentioned that Noguera’s ability to keep the ball helps the other players find space to attack. “This is amazing for our strikers, for our wingers, because then you have someone there to take the ball and keep this ball till the others can attack.” 

Alberto Noguera played 85 minutes of the game, maintaining 90% passing accuracy and two chances created.

Durand, ISL Shield and Cup: A rich legacy in Indian football

Alberto Noguera, the Spanish midfielder has spent five years in Indian football. He joined Mumbai City FC in the 2022–23 season after winning the Durand Cup with FC Goa in 2020–21. 

The Spanish midfielder played 33 games for the Mariners in the first tier of professional club competition in the nation. With 47 appearances for Mumbai City FC across all competitions, he had 11 goal contributions for the club. During his two-year stay, his impact helped the Mariners win the ISL League Winners’ Shield and the ISL Cup. 

On May 27th, Mumbai City FC announced that Alberto Noguera had parted ways with the club after two years, with his contract expiring on May 31st.

𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡: ALBERTO NOGUERA RIPOLL (BFC)#BFCIKFC #IndianOilDurandCup #PoweredByCoalIndia #DurandCup2024 #133rdEditionofDurandCup #ManyChampionsOneLegacy #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/IX0xe1Tkbv

— Durand Cup (@thedurandcup) August 3, 2024

A new adventure with The Blues

This year, on July 7th, Bengaluru FC announced that Alberto Noguera, in his 5th season of Indian football, had joined the club.

Adding Spanish flair to our midfield. 🇪🇸Madrid-born Alberto Noguera is all set to bring the Kanteerava alive as the playmaker joins the club ahead of the 2024-25 season. 👊🏽🔵#WeAreBFC #SwagataNoguera #TheBluesAreBack pic.twitter.com/XpK2FO0VsI

— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) July 7, 2024

The Spanish midfielder debuted for the Blues against the Indian Navy team in the 133rd Durand Cup. In the first match, he proved his worth and provided two assists for his club against the Indian Navy football team. 

In the second match, against I-League side Inter Kashi, he scored a goal for the Blues. However, Bengaluru FC failed to reach the final of the 133rd Durand Cup, after losing against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the penalty shootout.

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