Why Kerala Blasters should recall Nihal Sudeesh back in January transfer window?

Nihal Sudeesh has been outstanding following his loan move from Kerala Blasters to Punjab FC.

Kerala Blasters have had a rough time so far in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season. They started the season optimistically, following a managerial change that instilled new hope in the club and the fans. However, things quickly went south for them as a string of bad results and a winless streak have now forced them to make another managerial change, with Mikael Stahre leaving the camp in the middle of the season.

It has not been a fairy tale since TG Purushothaman took charge of the team as an interim coach to do some damage control. However, they have finally added a valuable three points to their tally, giving them a small ray of hope during this dark time. The victory, created out of nothing in the very first of his limited games in charge, was immediately followed by another defeat, serving as a harsh reality check.

As the new coach and skipper Adrian Luna rightly emphasized, there are no magical solutions or revolutionary waves that can pave the way out of this situation for the Tuskers. It is clear from CEO Abhik Chatterjee’s insistence on focusing on the right profiles that they will not be spending for the sake of spending as the January transfer window opens tomorrow.

At times like this, every club tends to look back into their arsenal and evaluate the resources they have. These internal solutions are tweaks that sometimes work wonders for clubs, sparking renewed hope among both the team and the fans. However, as things stand, with a new manager imminent, Kerala Blasters can look forward to bringing back someone capable of restoring joy to the stands of Kochi, once again relying on their vast local talent pool.

Nihal Sudeesh has been one of the standout discoveries of this season in Indian football, as he has burst onto the scene with exceptional performances for Punjab FC. Having signed him on loan, Panagiotis Dilmperis was initially not convinced about the winger. Nihal, however, quickly started knocking on the door with his hard work on and off the pitch, which his gaffer could not ignore.

Evolving into a key first-team player

Nihal Sudheesh made his ISL debut against his parent club, Kerala Blasters, in their season-opening fixture. Dilmperis had no reason to leave him out of the starting eleven, and the winger made the most of his chance, delivering a Player of the Match performance to secure his team’s first victory of the season.

Nihal went on to continue his run of form and has established himself as a pivotal player on the flanks for Punjab this season. He has featured in all of Punjab FC’s games this season, already making a successful loan stint out of his move.

Opportunities and tactical adaptability

Kerala Blasters, currently have Noah Sadaoui, Korou Singh Thingujam and KP Rahul to play on the flanks, with Mohammed Aimen sidelined due to injury. Noah Sadaoui has cemented his place in the left wing, being one of the best players in attack for the Blasters this season. Korou Singh Thingujam has quickly made a name on the sheets, bagging three assists already in the league.

If the Blasters are to recall Nihal Sudeesh back from loan for the second half of the season, he will be in contention for the right wing. KP Rahul being not up to mark, will make it even easier for Nihal to climb up the pecking order. He promises better delivery into the box compared to Rahul’s ineffective crosses which have been limiting the Blaster’s attack through the right-hand side.

This setup is favourable for both players, as Korou effectively plays visionary long balls into the box from half-spaces, as seen against Mohammedan, while Nihal, with his quick feet and pacey runs behind the defence, creates a menace for the opposition wing-back. This approach can also help the Blasters overload the box, adding an extra man inside to increase attacking options.

Nihal’s explosive dribbling, close control, and flair for getting past defenders make him an effective presence that complements the attack led by Sadaoui on the left wing. The Blasters will have a winger on each flank, both of whom can be ball carriers in possession and outlets during counterattacks.

Another ability that gives him the edge over all of Blasters’ domestic wingers is that he is not afraid to shoot. His pace and courageousness to take on the defenders in one-on-one situations can help them to create scoring opportunities out of nothing.

Nihal is a much better option in a camp where not many have impressed, as he possesses the starting quality and versatility to play across both wings, providing depth and much-needed rest for an overworked Sadaoui and a developing Korou.

Potential limitations to consider

Nihal Sudeesh has consistently demonstrated hard work, and there is no doubt regarding his impact on the game. However, he has not been able to translate all of his efforts into statistics that speak for themselves. He has recorded an assist and a goal which came early on in the season, and has since failed to get himself into the scoresheet.

Another obstacle to consider is that it will be difficult for Blasters to make this move happen mid-season, as Nihal is a vital presence for Punjab, and losing him would be a significant setback.

Nevertheless, a winger who checks all the boxes for the Blasters is well within their reach. The alarm bells are ringing, and they have tough decisions to make. This January transfer window will undoubtedly be decisive for Kerala Blasters’ journey for the rest of the season, as it unfolds.

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