ISL 2024-25: All six foreigners of Jamshedpur FC

The foreign contingent of Jamshedpur FC aspires to assert their supremacy in the forthcoming season.

Over the years, Jamshedpur FC have garnered a reputation as a club frequently positioned in the middle echelons of the Indian Super League (ISL) table, often narrowly missing out on playoff contention. Since their inception, Jamshedpur FC have boasted some of the finest foreign talents donning the red jersey and representing the men of steel. This elite roster have featured iconic players such as Austrian legend Tim Cahill, Memo Moura, Tiri, Peter Hartley, and other extraordinary talents.

Foreign players serve as the backbone of any team, wielding control over the game and driving victories. Their quality and performance are pivotal in determining whether the team ascends to the Super 6 or falters, sinking into the lower tiers of the ISL standings.

In this feature, we explore the foreign signings of Jamshedpur FC’s current season and assess whether they have the potential to recreate the magic of the 2021-22 season, a campaign in which Jamshedpur stunned the nation by lifting the ISL shield.

Stephen Eze (Nigeria)

Stephen Eze, the towering 6 feet 6 inches centre-back from Makurdi, Nigeria, began his football journey with Lobi Stars before moving to Sunshine Stars, where he made 63 appearances and netted three vital goals. He joined Jamshedpur FC during Owen Coyle’s inaugural season as JFC coach, quickly making his mark in Indian football.

Eze’s debut season in the ISL was nothing short of impressive, drawing widespread attention with his crucial headed goals and exceptional defensive prowess. His solitary season in the ISL cemented his reputation as one of the most formidable Nigerian centre-backs in the competition. As he gears up for the new season, Eze aims to lead Jamshedpur FC to one of the stingiest defensive records in the competition.

Lazar Cirkovic (Serbia)

Lazar Cirkovic, the 6 foot 3 inches, 32-year-old Serbian centre-back, born in Yugoslavia, embarked on his footballing journey with Partizan and Rad. In 2023, he joined the Chennaiyin FC squad, where he made 19 appearances and netted a solitary goal for the Marina Machans.

Cirkovic has also represented the Serbian national setup, making nine appearances for the Serbian under-21 team. His defensive prowess, marked by a no-nonsense style of play, makes him a key addition to Khalid Jamil’s Jamshedpur FC.

🚧💪Meet your new fortress: Lazar Cirkovic🚧💪, the Serbian wall, joins Jamshedpur FC! 🇷🇸 #JamKeKhelo #IndianSuperLeague #ISL #football #indianfootball #announcement #JoharCirkovic pic.twitter.com/FyHsHAF8aN

— Jamshedpur FC (@JamshedpurFC) September 5, 2024

During his tenure at Partizan, Cirkovic made his debut in a UEFA Europa League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur in 2014 and was part of the squad that secured two Serbian Superliga titles. Now, he looks forward to bringing greater defensive stability to Jamshedpur FC, forming a formidable partnership with Nigerian centre-back Stephen Eze, a duo set to become a nightmare for opposition attackers and centre-forwards.

Rei Tachikawa (Japan)

The stands of the JRD Tata Sports Complex will forever echo with memories of that sublime free-kick goal by the Japanese maestro, Rei Tachikawa, during the clash against Hyderabad FC. The 26-year-old central midfielder, hailing from Japan, began his football journey at Osaka University HSS during his collegiate years. Following his stints with Santa Lucia and Sirens, he made his way to Jamshedpur FC in 2023. Since he arrived in the Steel City, Tachikawa has amassed over 22 appearances and netted five pivotal goals.

Despite a challenging season, his performances have been nothing short of remarkable, orchestrating Jamshedpur FC’s midfield with commanding authority. Tachikawa’s influence will be instrumental in ensuring that Jamshedpur FC rises to prominence as one of the elite contenders in the competition. Recently, Rei Tachikawa committed his future to the Red Miners by signing a two-year contract extension, solidifying his place within the team for the next two seasons.

Javier Hernandez (Spain)

Francisco Javier “Javi” Hernández González, the attacking midfield virtuoso from Salamanca, Spain, began his illustrious football journey with Real Madrid’s second team, where he made over 34 appearances and scored three goals. He went on to showcase his talents with some of Europe’s finest clubs, including Salamanca, Gabala, Cracovia, and Burgos, before embarking on his Indian Super League career with ATK in 2019. After his stint with ATK, he continued to impress with ATK Mohun Bagan before transitioning to Odisha FC.

Over the last two years at Kanteerva, Hernández played a pivotal role in Bengaluru FC’s triumphant Durand Cup victory in 2022 and their remarkable run to the Indian Super League final from a seemingly impossible position.

The inclusion of Hernández in the Jamshedpur FC lineup is a remarkable addition, as his vast experience, combined with his lethal shooting ability, is set to become a strategic asset for Khalid Jamil. It will be crucial for Hernández to deliver peak performances and demonstrate that, despite his advancing years, he remains in his prime, proving that age is merely a number.

Jordan Murray (Spain)

Jordan David Murray, the 28-year-old, 6-foot-tall striker from Wollongong, is another key figure making his return to the Red Miners. Murray began his footballing journey with the South Coast Wolves and later played for the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, where he made 41 appearances and netted seven vital goals. His Indian Super League debut came in 2020 with Kerala Blasters, where his signature celebration quickly became a viral sensation. In 2021, he joined Jamshedpur FC and played a crucial role in the team’s victorious ISL Shield campaign.

After a season at Nakhon Ratchasima, Murray reunited with Owen Coyle at Chennaiyin FC. Following his stint with the Marina Machans, he has now returned to Jamshedpur, the club where he won his first ISL title. As a former National Premier League NSW Golden Boot winner, it will be fascinating to see if Murray can continue proving his goal-scoring prowess.

However, he faces stiff competition for the centre-forward position from fellow countryman Javier Siverio Toro, especially with the limitation of only four foreign players being allowed on the pitch at any given time.

Javier Siverio (Spain)

Javier Siverio Toro, a 26-year-old Spanish striker from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, began his football journey with Las Palmas. He made his Indian Super League debut with Hyderabad FC in 2021, and during his two-year tenure at Gachibowli, he quickly garnered attention.

Despite primarily serving as a substitute for Bartholomew Ogbeche in his first season, Siverio consistently delivered when it mattered, scoring crucial goals at pivotal moments. In total, he made 45 appearances and netted 12 goals for Hyderabad FC, contributing to their triumphant 2021-22 Indian Super League campaign.

Following Manolo Marquez’s departure from Hyderabad, Siverio opted for a fresh start, signing with the Kolkata Giants, East Bengal. However, his time with the Red and Gold Brigade was brief, as he made only 10 appearances without finding the back of the net before being loaned to Jamshedpur FC.

In just eight matches with Jamshedpur as a loanee, Siverio rediscovered his form, scoring three decisive goals and earning widespread praise. His standout performances led Jamshedpur FC to offer him a permanent contract. With his prior ISL experience and sharp goal-scoring instincts, Siverio is poised to play a pivotal role in ensuring Jamshedpur FC has no shortage of goals in the upcoming season.

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