Top three Bengaluru FC players to watch out for in Durand Cup 2024

The Blues will want to rewind to 2022 and repeat their title triumph amidst difficulties.

Bengaluru FC clinched their first Durand Cup title in 2022. They also reached the ISL final and the Super Cup final in the same year but missed the opportunity to seize either trophy. 

Moreover, the Blues displayed sub-par performances last season, which saw Spanish head coach Gerard Zaragoza take charge of the team mid-season. The 2024–25 season will mark Zaragoza’s first full season with the Blues, and Bengaluru FC will be determined to restore their former glory. 

So far in the transfer window, the Blues have made some positive signings, acquiring ISL Cup winners Jorge Pereyra Diaz, Rahul Bheke, and Alberto Noguera, as well as two Spaniards, Edgar Mendez and Pedro Capo. With a more balanced squad this time, Zaragoza’s men will be eager to mark a new chapter in the club’s history.

With that in mind here are the three key players to look out for in Bengaluru FC for Durand Cup 2024.

3. Siva Sakthi N

The lanky lightning bolt might not have been in the spotlight too often but he carved a name for himself in the 2020/21 Durand Cup with three goals in only five appearances. He became a menace to deal with, in the following edition, as he notched five goals in six appearances.

Although he managed to maintain that form in the league with six goals and two assists, his output for last season took a hit. Now with the Durand Cup in town again, fans can expect the young striker to bring his scoring boots to the games.

The West Block Blues will be eager to see Siva Sakthi tearing down the flanks as he rips defenders to shreds and leaves them chasing shadows. 

2. Alberto Noguera

This is set to be Noguera’s fifth consecutive season in Indian football. Alberto Noguera has notched up a decent nine goals and 13 assists in 72 appearances for FC Goa and Mumbai City.

Now donning the blue of Bengaluru, the Spanish orchestrator will hope to unlock defenses for his team seamlessly. His eye for a killer pass will profit the ruthless and energetic offense consisting of the rapid Jorge Pereyra Diaz and Edgar Mendez.

While the attacking midfielder is no stranger to the ISL, he needs to better his record in the Durand Cup. Last season he had a goal and an assist in four appearances taking his tally to two goals and one assist in 17 appearances in the competition. 

However, with his current team, it looks increasingly likely that he will be the focal point of attack, making him a marvel to behold as a spectator. 

1. Edgar Mendez

A LaLiga product through and through, Edgar Mendez is a Real Madrid youth academy graduate. The complete winger from La Fabrica emerged through the ranks and rose to fame at Deportivo Alaves during their run to the Copa Del Rey final in 2016-17. In fact, with six goals, he was the team’s top scorer. 

With a tenacity for ball-carrying and a high conversion rate, Edgar Mendez is as clinical as wingers get. His versatility in playing across the forward line all thanks to his pace, physicality, and positioning can turn him into an offensive dynamo for his side in the Durand Cup 2024. 

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.