Analysis: How will Enes Sipovic impact Kerala Blasters?

The Bosnian defender's previous stint at the ISL may hand him a slight edge at the Yellow Army.

Following a poor defensive record in the Indian Super League 2020-21 season, Kerala Blasters have already identified issues at the back and have started working to strengthen it. The southerners have roped in centre-back Enes Sipovic from league rivals Chenniayin FC. The 30-year-old Bosnian joined the Marina Machans as a potential replacement for Lucian Goian, and it's safe to say he did not disappoint. 

Chennaiyin FC had contrasting fortunes in the opposite end of the pitch in the previous season. The Marina Machans failed to convert goal-scoring chances often. But Sipovic and Eli Sabia's were excellent as they conceded only 23 goals, fifth-best record in the league.

The dust has settled since then. Now it is time to analyse and see if the Kochi-based club did a good job by acquiring his services.

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Sipovic started his career at the youth setup of FK Zeljeznicar. Stints at Romanian clubs SC Otelul Galati, Petrolul Ploiesti and Farul Constanta followed, before he shifted base to Belgium and joined KVC Westerlo.

The centre-back later played in Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, before setting foot in India ahead of the 2020-21 season. Chennaiyin FC then roped him in last season. The defender will now represent Kerala Blasters in his second season in the ISL.

Performance by numbers

Enes Sipovic has played over 190 matches across a senior club career that has spanned over 12 years. Majority of these matches came in Morocco, where he recorded 58 appearances for Ittihad Tanger and RS Berkane. He has not remained for long in any clubs till now. However, it also needs to be said that despite his short spells, he has been a regular starter at every club he has played for in the last few years.

It looks like the 30-year-old will make his 200th club appearance at Kerala Blasters, which is a landmark achievement anyways. The centre-back has also notched seven goals and an assist and won the Romanian top-flight league with his former club Otelul Galati.

ISL 2020-21

Enes Sipovic clocked 1472 minutes across 18 matches for Chennaiyin FC last season in the ISL. Throughout the season, he maintained an average of 2.72 tackles, 1.11 interceptions, 4.39 clearances and 1.67 blocks per game. He also completed 504 passes with an accuracy of 76.19%.

The Bosnian may not have played for the Blasters yet, but he already has some shared history with his new club. Enes Sipovic's challenge on former Kerala Blasters captain Sergio Cidoncha in December 2020 resulted in the latter's season-ending injury.

Cidoncha's injury cost not only himself but also the club, as they lacked a leader figure in his absence. They were often found wanting in the midfield. It was touted as one of the reasons why the team failed to impress in their ISL campaign.

Interestingly, the defender's final game of the previous campaign was also against Kerala Blasters. He was sent off in the match, after a second yellow card in the 80th minute. Additionally, he will have to sit out in the team's opening game as well this season, because of his resultant suspension.

Player Profile

Last season, Chennaiyin FC brought Enes Sipovic to India to replace the outgoing Lucian Goian, and it is safe to say that he did not disappoint. He was partnered with Eli Sabia, and the pair conceded only 23 goals all season - the fifth-best tally among ISL clubs, alongside FC Goa.

In modern-day football, most attacking moves start from the back. Therefore, teams would love to have a ball-playing defender in their ranks. Someone, who can do much more than just simply passing the ball forward. The Bosnian is one such player, as evident from his performances for the Marina Machans. One of his favourite ways to engage in build-up play is by attempting long balls to the channels or directly to the strikers.

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Sipovic is 6'6" ft tall, which makes him one of the tallest defenders in the league. This gives him an advantage in aerial duels. His impressive aerial ability will also help Kerala Blasters in set-pieces.

Two key areas where he could look to improve are in tracking back and channelling his aggression properly. Time and again, he has indicated that he is not quick enough while tracking back, creating a few tricky situations for the Marina Machans last season. His red card against Kerala Blasters and the foul on Cidoncha should explain enough about the centre-back's need to be more composed while manning the defence.

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Conclusion

It brings us to one final question - is he a better option than the ones at the club last season. Kerala Blasters did not have a great time at the back in ISL 2020-21, with Costa Nhamoinesu and Bakary Kone having a minimal impact on the pitch. That said, Enes Sipovic surely looks like an upgrade.

However, another question that needs answering is - what did the Kerala Blasters management see in him that Chennaiyin did not? With the Marina Machans not retaining him, Kerala Blasters' decision to sign him seems a tad surprising. However, the answer for this will have to wait -at least till the announcement of his defensive partner.

If Sipovic turns out to be the second-choice centre-back, his signing might become justifiable. If not, we have to wait for the season to begin to find out whether the Bosnian is as good as Kerala Blasters feel he is.

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