East Bengal rope in former Delhi Dynamos defender Marti Crespi

The full-back further strengthens the Red and Gold's rearguard ahead of the new campaign.

East Bengal have announced the signing of former Delhi Dynamos centre-back Marti Crespi Pascual for the upcoming season, strengthening their Spanish core under Alejandro Menendez. The 32-year-old, who put in some impressive performances for the Lions in the Indian Super League (ISL) last season, will be plying his trade for the Red and Gold Brigaders in the I-League in the next campaign.

After the departure of infamous signing Jonny Acosta was confirmed following last season’s finish, there were some worries about Menendez’s next defensive partnership. While Borja Gomez Perez was handed a new contract for his excellent work at the heart of the back four last season, Crespi will now fill Acosta’s void alongside his fellow Spaniard.

The former Dynamos man comes in with riches in experience, having played in the La Liga for Mallorca and also winning the Segunda Division with Xerez in the 2008/09 season. Moreover, he’s also played two seasons in China, amplifying his expertise in the Asian football circuit.

A tough-tackling defender who gave some really impressive performances in the ISL last season, Crespi will bring more reassurance to East Bengal’s defence. He helped Delhi keep a couple of clean-sheets last campaign, but with the influential Borja flanking him, he should into Menendez’s system seamlessly.

With his commendable distribution ability, Crespi possesses the knowledge of how to thrive in a possession-based, Spanish style which the Red and Gold Brigaders have opted for under their new manager. The 32-year-old operated in a relatively attacking style under Josep Gombau with the Dynamos, so will know what it takes to thrive in a relatively similar one for the Kolkata giants.

While Acosta’s departure seemed a worrying sign for East Bengal, Crespi is more than able to fill that void with his intimidating presence and knowledge of Indian fraternity. He’s the fourth foreigner confirmed by the Red and Gold Brigaders for next season, with Borja, Kassim Aidara and Jaime Santos Colado already being confirmed by the club in recent months.

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East Bengal will kick-off their campaign next month in the Calcutta Football League, which will be Menendez’s first task of the season. After losing out to Mohun Bagan last term, they’ll want to reclaim their prized asset and make a statement of intent before the I-League begins.

While Crespi will take time to blend into his new environment in Kolkata, he’s experienced enough to adapt smoothly for his team’s benefits. Having created another dynamic partnership in their defence, the Red and Gold have fortified their strong core and turned themselves into a daunting side to break down next season.