How new signing Prabir Das could fit in at Bengaluru FC?

The 28-year-old has joined the Blues on a three-year contract.

Prabir Das has sealed a surprising move to Indian Super League (ISL) giants Bengaluru FC. With Ashique Kuruniyan joining ATK Mohun Bagan, Bengaluru FC decided to take one from the Mariners as well. This will, of course, mark a major change in Prabir’s career.

It will be the first time he won’t be playing for a Kolkata side since 2015. The last time he played for a non-Kolkata side was during a loan spell with Delhi Dynamos, although he didn’t get any playing time at the Delhi-based club. Das also had a short loan spell with FC Goa in the 2014 ISL season.

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But a lot has happened since then and Prabir is a much more experienced player. Bengaluru FC have roped him in to strengthen their backline and attacking output from the flanks. Of course, with the Blues having a competitive squad, the 28-year-old defender will have to work hard to earn his place in the team. So what will Prabir Das' role be at Bengaluru FC and how will he fit into the club?

Prabir’s role at Bengaluru FC

Das’ natural position is a right-back and he is menacing in that area. The 28-year-old is likely to compete for that right-back position at Bengaluru FC. The Blues’ had a vulnerable right side last season, causing them trouble time and again.

While, Naorem Roshan Singh was a solid presence in that position, his shifting as left-back in the second half of the season, caused issues for Marco Pezzaiuoli's side.

Namgyal Bhutia and Parag Shrivas were often deployed in that position, but they will face stiff competition this time around. Prabir has earned the reputation of being an energetic, aggressive right-back who plays with his heart on his sleeve.

He can even play as a right-wing back, meaning Prabir can be an asset if BFC plays with a three-man backline. Prabir has occasionally played as a left-back too, but is unlikely to be needed in that area due to Naorem Roshan Singh’s presence. If required, he can also shift in as a right winger with pace and a killer cross in his arsenal.

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What can Prabir Das bring to Bengaluru FC?

Das should be a nice fit for Bengaluru FC’s side knowing their matching style. The Blues love to launch the majority of moves from the wings and are quite dependent on their wide players. They also encourage their full-backs to wander forward to help the attacking players.

Prabir loves doing that and is always looking to help his team in attack. The 28-year-old right-back is blessed with an impressive crossing ability that makes him an asset for any side. He loves hugging the touchline and whips in pinpoint crosses that forwards enjoy.

He might not have a goal contribution last season, mostly due to a lack of minutes, but Prabir is a dangerous attacking threat. In the 2019/20 season, when he helped ATK win the ISL playoffs, Das registered five assists. He was among the most creative Indian players in the league and tormented many sides with his crosses.

Not just that, but Prabir is also a set-piece specialist. He loves shouldering corner-taking duties and can whip in some inviting crosses from set-pieces. Bengaluru FC scored many goals from set-pieces last season, so that will definitely be a boon for them.

Can he fit in Bengaluru’s defensive system?

Das is a threat going forward, but he’s also a lively figure at the back. He is a tireless, aggressive full-back who isn’t afraid of lunging into tackles. The 28-year-old is willing to put in the extra yard to win duels, making crunching tackles and makes clever interceptions as well.

But you need to be really strong and immune from errors to fit into Bengaluru’s system properly. Das is susceptible to making a few errors occasionally, mostly because of how much he commits to challenges. That leaves his team exposed at times, resulting in cheap goals being conceded.

However, new manager Simon Grayson, who was a defender in his playing career, can help him in improving these aspects of his game. That can include encouraging him to be more composed with his defending and not overcommitting. While doing this, Prabir will also need to become a better reader of the game.

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One thing about Prabir is that he is willing to adapt himself and work hard to get chances. He did exactly that under multiple managers at the erstwhile ATK and then ATK Mohun Bagan.

Fans know that he will work on fixing his weaknesses to fit into the Bengaluru FC system right. He will also look to light up Bengaluru’s game with some threatening crosses from the right side of the pitch.

Das should feature quite regularly for Bengaluru FC next season ahead of Bhutia and Shrivas. As long as he is able to consistently deliver his pinpoint crosses and maintain a strong defensive resolve, he could make himself a key pillar of Grayson’s side next season.

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