Exclusive: Kerala Blasters set to sign new foreigner to end midfielder woes

Kerala Blasters have solved their midfield conundrum with a new signing.

Kochi based Indian Super League outfit, Kerala Blasters have had a stumbling start to the new season. Rene Meulensteen's boys have failed to yield the results they want and that has put the massively-supported team under undue pressure. Three draws and a debacle in the last game has shown that the tactics of Rene Meulensteen have not been able to provide an ideal framework for his power-packed squad.

The truancy of herd of midfielders with monopolizing and orchestrating approach has not been effective and this has a hefty share in the sluggish jaunt they've had so far. The team's performance against FC Goa was deplorable, ending in a 5-2 defeat. A rickety defence, haphazard midfield and clumsy attack was embarrassed by the buoyant FC Goa. The injury to star man Dimitar Berbatov also affected the flow of the game.

Arata Izumi failed to adapt to the new role of a central midfielder

Kerala Blasters have signed 7 foreigners and the inclusion of another overseas player to flourish the midfield during the January window could suffice their concerns. The floundering start has already forced pundits and fans alike to question their decision to have a light midfield.

The return of their injured and suspended players will bring firmness and vigour to respective fragments, but not to the midfield segment. The team doesn't have a well-established defensive midfielder in their squad and they've been using the services of creative midfielder Arata Izumi to play that part. However, the former ATK midfielder has failed.

Arata Izumi is 35 and Rene's decision to deploy him as the defensive midfielder has brought adverse effect and, moreover the player looks weary in that position. Milan Singh, who had played an instrumental role at Delhi Dynamos last season, is not being utilized completely by the manager. Dimitar Berbatov was also risked in the role, but the former Manchester United star limped off after just 4 minutes against FC Goa. 

Keziron Kizito Goals and Assist

To reverse matters, Kerala Blasters are all set to expand their roster with the inclusion of Ugandan International Keziron Kizito during the January transfer window, Khel Now sources confirm. Kizito had undergone trials with the club when they were in Spain during their pre-season and had impressed.

"He had gone to Spain for two-week trials and paid us an amount to terminate his contract," said Daniel Mule to Khel Now, the chairman of AFC Leopards.

The young player hailing from Uganda is well known for his performances when deployed behind the strikers. A familiar face in the Ugandan national team, Kizito featured in 32 games at the international level and had played 12 times for the U-23 team. A player who has both experience and potential to claim, Kizito could act as the impeccable option for Kerala Blasters, given the dilemma's they've to surpass in the current scenario.

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It is also reliably understood that Kizito has penned a two-year contract with the club. Even though the club has not announced the deal officially, the former AFC Leopards star has been receiving his salary since October. The player has arrived to the country, and is expected to start training with the team this week.

Will this see an end to Kerala Blasters' midfield woes? Will Kizito play the role of Alexander for Rene Muelensteen's world? Will the yellow sea now see the right kind of service from the centre of the park? We'll have to wait and see.