Victor Mongil: Who is ATK's newest signing?

The ISL outfit have roped in the Spanish defender as John Johnson's replacement.

ATK’s quest to clinch their third Indian Super League (ISL) title is going nicely, but with some bumps along the way. Injuries have threatened to disrupt their season, but the Kolkata giants have been efficient in replacing their injured foreigners with new ones. Victor Mongil is their latest signing to further solidify their backline, which has maintained an admirable record so far this season. The 27-year-old comes in with a lot of experience under his belt, having learned his traits in Spain’s competitive environment. [KH_ADWORDS type="3" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

Life in LaLiga

A Real Valladolid academy graduate, Victor Mongil played for their “B” side for a few seasons, before making seven appearances for the senior team in the 2011-12 campaign. However, after a season, he was roped in by Atletico Madrid B, for whom he made 54 appearances in two years as well. Victor Mongil has also played for other Spanish sides like Levante B, Alcoyano, Pointdevedra and Medira, before he most recently moved to Georgian top flight side Dinamo Tbilisi. As part of his recent stint, Mongil played in the UEFA Europa League Qualifiers earlier this year as well. He helped his former side keep three clean-sheets in the first four games, but Tbilisi were eventually knocked out in the third qualifying round by Dutch giants Feyenoord. Regardless, Mongil comes to ATK with a lot of experience of European football under his belt and knowing how to thrive in the Spanish style.

Technical Aspects

The former Spain U-17 international is well-drilled in the style Habas’ side have opted for this season, working really well in a three-man defence. He’s a compelling ball-playing centre-back, having an exceptional long-ball trait in him and is very comfortable carrying the ball out of defence. An ever-bearing threat from set-pieces, he’s guaranteed to trouble oppositions with his bullish nature when it comes to converting from free-kicks or corners. The 27-year-old is a cool and composed centre-back with a stark game-reading ability, which allows him to make timely clearances or interceptions to keep things safe. [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News | ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS] With younger Indian stars Salam Ranjan Singh or Sumit Rathi expected to partner him, Mongil can help them gain confidence to move the ball out from the backline and be stronger with their defensive contributions. The 27-year-old will take some time to adapt to a new environment having never played in Asia before, but has enough to hold his own in the ISL. ATK have four games in January, including three back-to-back home games after they travel to Mumbai to face Mumbai City FC on Saturday. The Kolkata outfit are unbeaten at home, having won three out of their four games so far. Victor Mongil comes in during a crucial period for Habas’ side, who are still aiming to get that coveted top spot in the ISL, which will guarantee an AFC Champions League spot. With so many injuries at the back, the assertive defender needs to blend in well with his teammates to continue ATK’s solid defensive record. However, being well-accustomed to Habas’ style should help him addapt quickly.