Profile: Can Dimitri Petratos replace Krishna at ATK Mohun Bagan?

The Australian has played in Asia's top continental competition.

ATK Mohun Bagan unveiled the signing of their newest foreign attacker Dimitri Petratos for the upcoming season. The Mariners allowed both David Williams and Roy Krishna to leave this summer and have roped in a new attacking midfielder to fill that void.

Petratos arrives in India with over a decade worth of experience playing as a professional footballer. The 29-year-old has spent his entire career playing in Asia and has the experience of playing in several countries. Petratos has played in the A-League, the K-League and Saudi Professional League over the last decade.

He’ll now start a new journey in the Indian Super League (ISL) and ATKMB fans will hope he fills the void left by Williams and Krishna as soon as possible.

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Prior experience

As mentioned earlier, Dimitri Petratos is an experienced campaigner. He made his debut back in 2009 for Penrith Nepean United FC, a club that ceased its operation a year later.

The Aussie midfielder joined A-League side Sydney FC in 2010, but was immediately loaned to Sydney Olympic FC. After a short spell in the NSW Premier League, he returned to Sydney FC.

Petratos played three seasons with Sydney, scoring five goals in 35 appearances. He then joined Malaysian side Kelantan FC in 2013 for their AFC Cup campaign, scoring four times in just seven appearances. Petratos was then roped in by Brisbane Roar in 2013 and went on to play four seasons with them, scoring 16 goals in 98 appearances.

After another short spell with K-League side Ulsan Hyundai in 2017, he joined Newcastle Jets that season. In three seasons with them, he scored 25 goals in 87 appearances.

Petratos spent the 2020/21 season, hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, with Saudi side Al-Wehda. He scored nine goals in 30 appearances, but failed to help them qualify for the AFC Champions League.

The 29-year-old was loaned to A-League side Western Sydney Wanderers for the 2021/22 season, scoring thrice in 25 appearances. After being released by Al-Wehda, he joined ATK Mohun Bagan on a free transfer.

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Type of player

Petratos is an energetic, aggressive attacking player who loves to get involved. He is naturally suited to the No.10 role, but can play in other areas too. Additionally, the 29-year-old has the ability to play as a right-winger and even as a second striker. In some plans, he can even lead the line for his side, possibly why the Mariners have handed him the No. 9 shirt.

At 5’9, the 29-year-old isn’t exactly the tallest or the most physically-dominating player. However, he makes up with his bulldog mentality to win the ball and press opposition players high up. Last season, Petratos averaged almost two fouls per game in the A-League, showing how aggressive he can get.

The Australian midfielder is also creative with his link-up play and clever movement in the final third. He can help set up chances by slicing open opposition defences and clearing up areas for teammates.

Petratos is also quite efficient around the 18-yard-box himself. He has the knack of scoring special goals at times and is good at converting from close range, making him an efficient attacking outlet.

What will he bring to the team?

Dimitri Petratos is a proactive attacking player that should help up the tempo in ATK Mohun Bagan’s attack. Opposition defences will not miss the tireless pressing of Roy Krishna with Petratos' presence. The 29-year-old’s versatility also means that he probably won’t stick to one area of the pitch during games either. He can play the ‘floating’ role in the attack, moving into areas of space to trouble opposition players.

Petratos should help bring more flexibility to Juan Ferrando’s attack. He played as a centre-forward, attacking midfielder and winger for the Western Sydney Wanderers last season. His versatility means that the Spanish coach can use him in many areas next season.

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While he is clinical with his finishing, he isn’t too obsessed with scoring all the game. Dimitri can drop into deeper areas to help link up with the midfield and help the ball forward. He's also good with the ball at his feet and knows how to pick a pass.

The likes of Manvir Singh and Liston Colaco should both enjoy that, as Petratos can play them in behind defenders. It will be interesting to see how Joni Kauko and Petratos form a fluid combination at the centre of ATKMB's attack.

Petratos should help ATKMB increase their attacking intensity and serve as a perfect David Williams replacement in terms of versatility. The 29-year-old should leave ISL defenders guessing with his unpredictable style and can prove to be an invaluable asset for the Mariners in the season to come.

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