Dippendu Biswas can prove to everyone that he can excel, says Jose Molina after ISL 2024-25 opener

The head coach spoke highly of the defender who recently broke into the star-studded Mariners’ squad.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant started off their 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) campaign with a dramatic 2-2 draw against Mumbai City FC on Friday (13th September). The game was full of twists and turns, but the presence of young centre-back Dippendu Biswas in the starting XI was a highly interesting factor.

The 21-year-old centre-back made three clearances and completed 90% of his passes in a disciplined and assertive at the Salt Lake Stadium. This marked Dippendu’s third start in an ISL game after he was given his breakthrough by Antonio Habas last season and it appears that the youngster has made a bright impression on Jose Molina as well.

The Spanish tactician spoke of his feelings about Dippendu’s performance against Mumbai City after the game, stating: “Really happy (with Dippendu). He’s working really well in the training sessions. He played some matches in the Durand Cup and in some moments he performed really well. That’s the reason he started the game today because he deserved his chance in the ISL. I’m really happy with his performance, I think he did a great job today.”

Jose Molina also noted that he’s happy to have a vibrant young centre-back in Dippendu Biswas in his squad after being unable to find a like-for-like replacement for Anwar Ali since his controversial move out of the Mariners’ outlet in the summer. He explained: “It’s always good to have a young Indian centre-back. Because with the loss of Anwar, we had a little bit of shortage of Indian centre-backs. It was not easy to find one to come here.

“Finally, we’re giving the opportunity to Dippendu to grow up and prove to everyone that he’s a very good player that can excel in the ISL. I’ll really be really happy if he can do it and of course it’s always good to have players who can work hard and take advantage of the opportunities they have and can get into the team,” the manager also added.

Dippendu Biswas might’ve had an applaudable outing against Mumbai City, but consistency will be key for the young defender to keep getting opportunities in Mohun Bagan’s squad. He faces stiff competition in the centre-back position, with Australian defender Tom Aldred a perfect fit for the right centre-back role. Moreover, Deepak Tangri can play in that position too, so the promising defender has to perform at his best ability to have Molina’s full attention.

The young centre-half will hope that his decent start to the 2024-25 ISL campaign can get him a starting spot in the Mariners’ next ISL game at home against NorthEast United, in what will be a repeat of this year’s Durand Cup final.

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