Three players who could be fighting for future at East Bengal FC in Kalinga Super Cup 2025

The Torchbearers are the reigning Kalinga Super Cup champions.

East Bengal FC will aim for a strong end to an underwhelming 2024-25 campaign with a decent performance in the 2025 Kalinga Super Cup. The Red & Gold Brigade are the defending champions of the tournament and will be desperate to go all the way to retain their title this time around as well.

The Torchbearers know that winning the Super Cup could help them gain a place in an AFC competition next season. The squad should be motivated to perform strongly in the Super Cup, and for some players, it could be their last chance to fight for a place in the squad ahead of next season.

East Bengal FC are expected to reshuffle their squad ahead of next season and some of the relatively underperforming stars could be replaced or put well deeper down in the pecking zone. Let us look at the three East Bengal FC players who might be fighting for their futures at the club in the Super Cup.

3. Saul Crespo

Crespo had a very frustrating 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) campaign playing in only 13 games in an injury-marred campaign. He scored one goal and provided two assists in that period, but left the fans wanting more following the conclusion of their ISL campaign.

The Spaniard failed to help East Bengal FC win the midfield battle in the matches he featured or provide much of a defensive shield. He couldn’t really create as much as was expected from a player of his skill set either.

Saul has to bring his very best to the table in the Super Cup to prove he can still be a key player for the squad going forward. He has to have more control in midfield, whether it may be creating chances, regaining possession in key areas or ruthlessly pressing the opposition players.

Crespo also needs to be more fearless in getting the ball into key areas and testing goalkeepers with his shooting ability. Unless he’s able to inspire East Bengal FC to an impressive Super Cup winning run, the 28-year-old could be might not be featuring for the club next season.

ALSO READ: Kalinga Super Cup 2025: Full Fixtures, Schedule, Timing and Telecast Details

2. Nishu Kumar

Nishu Kumar’s fitness issues kept him away from the East Bengal FC squad for the majority of the first half of the 2024-25 ISL campaign. He started featuring under Oscar Bruzon after the turn of the year, but his performances weren’t the most convincing ones. East Bengal FC only managed one clean sheet in the 13 matches in which Kumar featured in.

He played as a left-back and right-back, while managing only eight interceptions and 28 duels won in the process. Kumar has to be much more convincing in the full-back role in the Super Cup to win over the management’s confidence. That involves being more proactive in regaining possession regularly, winning key duels and hassling opposition wingers with some impactful challenges.

The 27-year-old also needs to improve his attacking end product while attempting to swing in more threatening crosses to help his forwards. Unless Kumar is able to produce some highly energetic display to help East Bengal FC churn out strong defensive performances, he could be out of the rotation for playing games ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.

1. Richard Celis

The Venezuelan attacker arrived at East Bengal FC amidst much fanfare in the January 2025 transfer window. Fans felt that their attacking line would be lightened up by a speedy, tricky winger capable of tormenting defenders and being decisive in the final third. Well, that prophecy is yet to come true.

The 28-year-old has made eight appearances for East Bengal FC since joining them, but is yet to have a single goal contribution. He came close to scoring a few times in the ISL matches, but couldn’t find that special spark in his final product. Celis has to prove his quality in the final third by being more innovative with his final passes and clinical with his finishing to win over the fans.

Unless he contributes goals regularly in the Super Cup and proves himself effective, East Bengal FC will have no choice but to replace him in the summer.

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