How Jason Cummings can impact from bench against East Bengal in ISL Kolkata Derby?

Jason Cummings has scored crucial goals for Mohun Bagan recently.

Jason Cummings has had an eventful 2024-25 season with Mohun Bagan Super Giant. In what is his second campaign with the Mariners, the Australian forward has struggled to be a regular starter because of newfound competition from Jamie Maclaren in that no. 9 spot.

With Jose Molina opting to play Maclaren more often, Cummings has been the second-choice forward and the player ready to fill in for any injuries or issues within the squad. The 29-year-old has a goal and assist in Mohun Bagan’s last two games, where he played alongside Maclaren up-front. But that might be changed in the upcoming Kolkata Derby against East Bengal.

Molina is likely to use Greg Stewart to be his side’s creator-in-chief and bench Cummings for the big game. The Australian forward has one goal in six Kolkata Derbies, but he can be a trump card for Mohun Bagan in the derby. It can actually benefit Cummings if he doesn’t start the game and is instead brought on as a substitute to disrupt the game in the second half.

Unpredictable threat from the bench

The 29-year-old really loves making an impact from the bench and has done it so many times over the last few seasons for Mohun Bagan. He has that unpredictable nature in his playing style, mostly because the Australian forward loves to move around the opposition half to confuse defenders. He can also be an excellent link-up asset, being able to collect the ball and position himself perfectly to send his teammates through on goal.

Jason Cummings’ footballing IQ makes him a tormenting factor for defenders in the second half, with the Australian forward often sneaking into more dangerous positions as the game wears along. He can help light up the derby in the second half if Mohun Bagan need key goals. Cummings can even be an asset if the Mariners are in a comfortable position, as he has the urgency and desire to pile on more goals.

Effective against tired defenders

Jason Cummings is a player who loves the freedom to attack the opposition backline as he likes and someone who gets flustered by tight man-marking. If he comes on as a substitute, that all could perhaps be avoided. Playing against tired defenders can give him more encouragement to move around the opposition half and slip past the marker of any defender or player sticking close to him.

That should allow Cummings more room and time to make the best decisions, be it with his off-the-ball movement or delivery into the final third. A fresh Cummings in the second half can be an ideal option for Mohun Bagan to wear down the East Bengal defence and get a few late goals to seal a big win in the derby.

A different option to Jamie Maclaren

Jamie Maclaren has been a regular starter under Molina so far because of his reputation coming into the campaign. He is a dangerous asset in his own right, being quite prolific with his finishing ability and also being a ‘team player’ in helping link up effective attacking moves.

Fortunately for Jose Molina, he has a riches of options when it comes to trying out different variations for his No.9. If Maclaren’s threat is neutralized by the East Bengal backline, then he could be substituted with a player of similar quality in Cummings. The 27-year-old has already proven himself as a lethal figure from the bench.

He scored a vital goal in Mohun Bagan’s 2-1 win over Mumbai City in the decisive game that sealed the ISL league shield title for them last season. Cummings has also scored three out of his four ISL goals this season as a substitute, showing how ruthless he is in that role. The Australian forward can be a real game-changer with his impactful nature as a substitute and help the Mariners get a memorable win in the derby.

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