Scouting Report: Who is East Bengal's talented youngster PV Vishnu?

It took PV Vishnu only 32 seconds to score his solitary goal in ISL 2023-24.

East Bengal youngster, PV Vishnu, has been a revelation for the Red and Gold. Carles Cuadrat has given the striker the minutes to gather experience and polish his skill-set continuously.

Despite scoring only one goal and assisting one in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 season, Vishnu made 19 appearances. He has also played a part in the club’s ongoing Durand Cup 2024 wins.

His ability to fearlessly take on opponents, no matter how seasoned, speaks volumes about his potential. So, here is a scouting report on PV Vishnu, a prospect for Indian football.

Scouting Report

Career & Performances

Vishnu has excelled whenever called up despite not having the numbers to show for it. He has frequently aided his team with his fluidity up top. 

However, he broke through with his performance against Odisha FC, becoming the fastest goalscorer of the season with a goal in only 32 seconds. The rapid striker latched onto an aerial ball, whizzed past Jerry Lalrinzuala and wrong-footed Carlos Delgado, leaving Amrinder Singh rooted to the spot with a deft left-footed strike at the near post.

Although he only notched one assist, it is his performances with East Bengal’s reserve side in the Calcutta Football League (CFL) that have attracted attention. The two-footed striker most recently scored in the Kolkata Derby against Mohun Bagan Super Giant to help the Torchbearers to an important win.

Statistics 

Playing Style

Vishnu excels upfront, but can also be deployed on either wing, as he is good with either foot. The Kerala-born forward is not an imposing figure and relies more on clever runs in behind and on the blind side of defenders to penetrate opposition lines. 

This tendency actually makes him an asset during counter-attacks. Playing under Cuadrat will also ensure that he is well-tutored in the art of ball retention and link-up play. 

Vishnu is also courageous with his dribbling, as he’s not afraid to take on opponents. While he might still need sharpening, he’s on the right path and has the potential to become decisive in 1v1 situations.

Coming to finishing, Vishnu is more than adept, but more game-time in the ISL will hopefully yield better numbers for him, as he polishes his shooting skills and timing.

Future Potential

The East Bengal youngster has a bright future ahead of him, but he has to keep putting in a shift to start for his team in the league, especially with the presence of other young talents like Ajad Saheem and Jesin TK. Vishnu can be a good future reinforcement for the Red and Gold Brigade if he hones his art under veterans like Cleiton Silva and Dimitrios Diamantakos.

He has previously excelled in the Reliance Foundation Development League and for an under-performing East Bengal youth side during the Premier League Next Generation Cup 2024. Assistant coach Bino George spoke highly of him and his recent performances should be a catalyst for him to improve and make a bigger name for himself. 

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