East Bengal bolster attack by roping in former Kerala Blasters forward Raphael Messi Bouli

Raphael Messi Bouli is the third Cameroonian to wear the East Bengal jersey.

At a time when East Bengal finds itself navigating through turbulent waters, the club has made a crucial move to reinforce its attacking arsenal by signing Cameroonian striker Rafael Messi Bouli. A familiar name in Indian football, Messi previously showcased his skills with Kerala Blasters, earning a reputation as one of the finest African players to grace Indian soil.

His arrival injects much-needed firepower into East Bengal’s frontline, and given his past performances, he is expected to make an immediate impact. With his strength, finishing ability, and experience in Indian conditions, Messi Bouli could be the game-changer Oscar Bruzon needs as the Red and Yellow brigade battles to turn their season around.

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As East Bengal clings to the hope of securing a spot in the top six, Messi Bouli’s inclusion comes at a critical juncture, offering a glimmer of optimism in an otherwise challenging campaign. His track record suggests he can provide the clinical edge that has been missing, potentially breathing new life into their attacking approach.

Fans eagerly await his arrival in Kolkata, where he is expected to link up with the squad ahead of their crucial clash against the Marina Machans. If he can quickly adapt and find his rhythm, East Bengal might still have a fighting chance to salvage their season and stake a claim in the playoffs.

What do Messi’s numbers have to say?

Rafael Messi Bouli’s statistics highlight his impressive track record and underline why East Bengal sees him as a key addition to their squad. During his previous stint in India with Kerala Blasters, Messi Bouli played 17 matches, directly impacting 10 goals, scoring eight times and assisting twice in the Indian Super League. His ability to find the net consistently in the top division showcased his goal-scoring instincts and physical presence in the attacking third.

Notably, during the 2019-20 ISL season, he won the second-most aerial duels, proving his dominance in the air and effectiveness in set-piece situations. Beyond India, he has also plied his trade in the Iranian top division, where he featured in 12 matches and found the back of the net once, further adding to his diverse footballing experience.

However, his most prolific spell came in China’s second division, where he made a staggering 134 appearances, contributing to 80 goal involvements, scoring 60 goals and providing 20 assists. Such numbers not only emphasize his attacking prowess but also his longevity and consistency across different leagues.

Additionally, Messi Bouli has had the honour of representing the Cameroonian national team on six occasions, with his debut goal coming in the 2018 African Nations Championship qualification fixture against São Tomé and Príncipe. With this wealth of experience, a proven goal-scoring record, and a strong aerial presence, his arrival at East Bengal could be the catalyst they need to reinvigorate their campaign.

Road ahead for East Bengal FC

East Bengal currently finds itself in 10th place in the Indian Super League standings, trailing sixth-placed Mumbai City FC by a daunting 10 points. With time running out, the club’s hopes of making a late push for the playoffs now hinge on Rafael Messi Bouli’s ability to settle into the squad and adapt quickly to both the league and East Bengal’s tactical framework.

The Cameroonian forward’s experience in various leagues, coupled with his physical presence and goal-scoring ability, makes him a valuable addition as the Red and Gold Brigade aim to turn their season around. Given their inconsistency so far, East Bengal will be banking on Messi Bouli to make an immediate impact, providing the much-needed cutting edge in the attacking third.

With approximately six games left in the regular season, East Bengal has a relatively favourable run-in, facing sides like Chennaiyin FC, bottom-placed Mohammedan Sporting Club, and Hyderabad FC. The fixture list works in their favour as they avoid any direct clashes with the current top three teams, presenting them with an ideal opportunity to string together crucial victories.

If they can capitalize on these winnable fixtures and secure maximum points, a top-six finish might not be entirely out of reach. However, much will depend on how quickly Messi Bouli integrates into the squad and whether East Bengal can find consistency in their performances, something that has eluded them so far this season.

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