Can Seiminlen Doungel redeem himself at Sergio Lobera’s FC Goa?

The forward's versatality could help the Gaurs massively in the next season.

Seiminlen Doungel didn’t enjoy the most prolific campaign at Kerala Blasters last season. Caved under management problems, struggling to fit into an ever-changing system, the 25-year-old ended up buckling under the pressure. While he was their brightest aspect on certain occasions, he just didn’t maintain the consistency the Yellow Army wanted.

Instead, his brilliance came in patches to thrill the fans. However, that patchy form was enough to swoon over Sergio Lobera. After a disappointing time down south, the Manipuri winger is now moving Southwest. Len was recently signed up by FC Goa on a two-year deal, meaning the Spanish gaffer has long-term plans for him. He’ll find it difficult to immediately snuck into their packed attack, but has the talent to make rotation a lot easier for Lobera.

Over last season, Doungel mostly operated down the wings or behind the striker. He was used as an impactful substitute on multiple occasions, meaning he isn’t unfamiliar with having to perform from the bench. The 25-year-old only netted twice, but created several goal-scoring chances for the Blasters. He bagged four assists, often being Kerala’s brightest creative spark with clever defence-splitting passes and exquisite crosses.

While he didn’t survive the Eelco Schattorie revamp at Kerala, a move away from the stark fan-criticism can be a relief. Joining a side desperate to finally win the ISL crown and with a stable unit, he can express himself without having a chip on his shoulders. Moreover, after watching the tremendous development in Jackichand Singh’s game after he made a similar move last season, Doungel’s chances of improvement look higher.

The Gaurs have taken a very calculated gamble on the 25-year-old, knowing his ability to produce similar results. Doungel’s versatility in the final third is key, as he can operate in the wing and even play alongside or behind Ferran Corominas if Lobera wishes to change his tactics. Len’s striking ability riddled with his sneaky creativity are two factors which mix really well to traumatize defences.

Now that he’s also been involved in the national camp, the 25-year-old’s experience will increase ten-fold. Jacki proved to be among the best signings in the ISL last season, having netted thrice and assisted on multiple occasions. Moreover, it was his blistering work down the right wing, scintillating pace and incisiveness which made the Gaurs such a terrorizing force.

While Doungel’s not exactly of the same mould, he has his own tricks to fool defenders. He likes to operate more centrally, dictating play in the final third and often attempting something creative to open up defences. However, he’s also equally prolific when moved to the side with his delivery-technique being primed for a striker like Coro. The 25-year-old will definitely make strides at FC Goa, mostly due to the personnel surrounding him.

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With domestic compatriots Jackichand and Brandon Fernandes there to make things easier, he should get accustomed to their rhythm quickly enough. Due to his variability, Doungel could end up rivalling his Indian team-mates to play in their positions. Maybe he can be an alternative to Edu Bedia in the role behind Coro as well. Irrespective, Doungel will firstly need to prove himself to start games ahead of the current core.

It’s not like he doesn’t have the talent to outperform his peers. A really clever player, Lobera just needs to tap into his workmanship side. If Doungel starts working harder and improves his decision-making, he can make big strides for the Gaurs. He averaged more than two shots on goal every game, which will intrigue Lobera. Len’s knack of taking shots and testing the goalkeeper fits into Goa’s style perfectly.

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With a crisp finisher like Coro, Len won’t be hesitating at expressing his creativity. He’ll definitely fling clever balls over opposition defences or find space for his team-mates with his intelligent distribution. However, Doungel’s aggressiveness needs to be mellowed down. He averaged just over one foul every game, often making mistakes with his defensive work. However, in the free-flowing attacking system at Goa, defending isn’t the priority.

That itself will serve as the biggest motivator for Doungel. He might be forced to play out his initial matches from the bench, but making an impact can raise his stock. Signed to bolster the squad like Jackichand, Len needs to create similar sparks in attack to become a fan-favourite and redeem himself at the football-loving city next season.