Five reasons why Sandesh Jhingan can be great addition for ATKMB

The 27-year-old is regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the country.

As they prepare for their first season with their new alliance, ATK Mohun Bagan are building towards something special for the future. With not only the Indian Super League (ISL) title to defend, but also the AFC Cup to play for, the Kolkata giants are recruiting the cream of the crop to help them challenge on all fronts. Moreover, the club are all set to sign national team defender Sandesh Jhingan too.

Despite his terrible injury which kept him out of the last edition of the ISL, the former Kerala Blasters captain would be an asset for any Indian side. With his no-nonsense defending, ability to maintain a strong backline and be a mentor for youngsters, the 27-year-old is in his prime and could be the defensive general Antonio Habas’ side longs for. Here are five reasons why he’d be a great addition to ATKMB.

5. Top-level experience

Sandesh Jhingan comes in as a superstar for ATKMB and as someone who has been playing at the very top of Indian football for many years. He’s been a regular for the Indian national team, played consistently in the ISL and knows how to succeed in the league.

A proactive defender who knows how to shut out strikers and cover for his teammates' mistakes, he is the key to making the Kolkata giants even stronger defensively and ensuring they remain a hard nut to crack for years to come.

4. Immaculate ball distribution

Last season, Antonio Habas’ side looked a bit vulnerable on occasions when it came to moving the ball out of defence under heavy pressing. They lacked that perfect flow and transition from defence into attack which the Spaniard so desperately wants. Now that can be accomplished with Jhingan’s arrival. With quality players like Subhasish Bose and Tiri flanking him, he’ll be able to work with them to bring the ball out from the back.

The 27-year-old is very comfortable with the ball at his feet, so he should help charge ATK Mohun Bagan forward and kick-start attacking moves. Habas will hope to implement a more possession-based style this season and having defenders who can retain the ball will be crucial, with a composed man like Jhingan an asset for his style.

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3. Adaptability

Over the years, Jhingan has played under many different managers with unique philosophies and shown impressive adaptability to a variety of systems. Be it in a four-man backline or a five-man one, he manages to shine in whatever defensive shape he’s made to lead. Coming to play under a perennial tinkerman like Habas, Jhingan’s adaptability will perhaps be his biggest asset.

He’ll most probably be slotted into the middle of their back three alongside Tiri and either Sumit Rathi or Subhasish Bose, dictating and communicating with them to form a solid shape. Jhingan has fortunately already played in a system like this and really likes operating in the ‘middle’ centre-back role, so he should blend into ATKMB’s system without any problems.

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2. Thrives under pressure

Sandesh Jhingan has seen it all in Indian football. He’s played against the best the league has to offer and faced a few formidable oppositions at the international level as well. For the national team, his performances in the remarkable draws against China and Qatar are some of the best examples of how the 27-year-old excels when the pressure is at the highest.

It’s on the biggest occasions and against the most daunting oppositions that Jhingan truly comes alive, thwarting out danger, making crunching challenges and silencing opposition attackers with brute force. ATK Mohun Bagan need someone who can help them survive the biggest storms that await in the ISL and AFC Cup and with a rock-solid defender like Jhingan, they’ll have someone they can trust to steer them away from danger in the big games.

1. Leadership skills

As former captain of Kerala Blasters and occasionally having worn the armband for the national team as well, Sandesh Jhingan has proven himself a capable leader for any side. With his vocal approach to let his teammates know what could be improved to a demanding attitude to drive them forward, he’s definitely got the skills to invigorate those around him.

For now, of course, the captain of ATK Mohun Bagan will be local lad Pritam Kotal, but the 27-year-old’s leadership ability will definitely be used by Habas. Jhingan will be given free rein to showcase authority at the back, keep his teammates in-check and lead by example with his compelling defending.