Bengaluru FC's all six foreigners for ISL 2024-25 season

The Blues aim to get back to contesting for trophies after a disappointing 2023-24 campaign.

Bengaluru FC sputtered to a disappointing 10th-placed finish in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 as Simon Grayson was axed from his role midway through the season. Despite leading them to the Durand Cup 2022 and the ISL 2022-23 playoffs finals, the Englishman could not maintain a favorable headstart as Bengaluru lost nine games. 

Gerard Zaragoza was brought in to relieve interim manager Renedy Singh and somehow helped them close out the season with a win, draw, and loss each. Ahead of this season, he has tinkered with the squad at depth, bringing in big names and letting equally talented players leave. 

Bengaluru FC’s all six foreigners

Aleksandar Jovanovic

A center-half who’s comfortable with the ball at his feet, Aleksandar Jovanovic will be hoping to form a better defensive unit this time around.

The Australian centre-back boasted a decent distribution rate with 83% of his passes finding their target. But he could only help the team to three clean sheets, with his 70 clearances and 77 recoveries.

The defender also has to be more involved in his defensive duels as he won only 42 duels in 20 appearances and had an exceedingly low number of tackles won with only eight to his name.   

Ryan Williams

The experienced right midfielder will be energized ahead of ISL 2024-25 as the squad’s incoming forwards should incentivize him to up his game. Williams joined the Blues in 2023-24 season and has since scored thrice for them in the league.

But to fit in the squad and be preferred over youngsters, Williams needs to step up his game. Zaragoza’s men can profit from his crossing expertise but he has to be more direct to allow Diaz and Mendez enough space to run into.

Alberto Noguera

With 22 goal contributions from 72 appearances, Alberto Noguera will be a valuable candidate for Bengaluru FC in ISL 2024-25. The Spanish creative conduit has experience playing for sides that prefer to hoard a high volume of possession like Mumbai City and FC Goa.

Hence he will be tasked with taking charge of the midfield as he runs things from the middle of the park. Noguera is also a great tempo controller and it remains to be seen how he will complement the pacy attackers at the club this season.

Bossing the midfield feat. Alberto Noguera.🤌🏼#WeAreBFC #BFCIKFC pic.twitter.com/Yu9JwqIhvE

— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) August 3, 2024

Jorge Pereyra Diaz

One of the league’s most entertaining attackers, Jorge Diaz will bring the skills to this promising Bengaluru side along with a touch of the extraordinary. Diaz has been the primary reason behind fans’ jaws dropping and opponents breaking their ankles as he’s a terror in 1v1 situations.

His versatility and well-rounded skillset also grant him a rare versatility that allows him to complement other attackers and morph his game around them. With 29 goals and eight assists for the Highlanders and Kerala Blasters in only 58 appearances, the Argentine forward is a proven product in the Indian Super League. 

A serial goalscorer and match winner! 🇦🇷 Argentine attacker Jorge Pereyra Diaz bolsters the Blues’ firing line for the upcoming season. 💥#WeAreBFC #DiazIsBlue #TheBluesAreBack pic.twitter.com/jhWBNQRrEI

— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) July 7, 2024

Pedro Capo

Boasting experience in the Spanish leagues, Pedro Capo will be another one to watch in the Blues roster in ISL 2024-25. The Spaniard poses a hulking figure at 6’2” and can be fielded across the midfield and defense.

Primarily a midfielder, Capo’s defensive prowess allows him to be a viable candidate as both a defensive midfielder and a centre-back. With his towering stature, Capo can hopefully give Bengaluru an additional threat from set-pieces and relieve Jovanovic’s responsibility of shouldering that alone. 

Edgar Mendez

Real Madrid academy player Edgar Mendez is another versatile player whose playstyle matches Diaz’s. The Spanish right-winger will perfectly complement his Argentine counterpart as he has already lit up the Durand Cup with their partnership.

Gerard Zaragoza’s side can rely on him not only for goals but also for drawing out defenders and finding his teammates with accurate passes. Mendez will surely not find it tough to score as the forward has finished as top scorer in competitions like the Copa del Rey.

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.