Focus on ‘Fabulous Five’ head of Indian Super League final

Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) takes on Bengaluru FC in the ISL final on April 12 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) in Kolkata

HYDERABAD: The focus will be on the ‘Fabulous Five’ when Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) takes on Bengaluru FC in the ISL final on April 12 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) in Kolkata.

MBSG will be eyeing the coveted double, having already clinched the League Shield, the Blues are set to target the ISL Cup in order to convincingly cap off a captivating campaign under the tutelage of Gerard Zaragoza.

Jamie Maclaren: Jamie Maclaren has been a revelation in his debut ISL season, netting 11 goals and notching two assists in 24 appearances, recording a conversion rate of 35.48%. His defined role upfront results in him embracing a limited responsibility in the final third, contributing minimally in the build-up and instead banking on his tremendous efficiency to get MBSG strikes consistently.

Sunil Chhetri: The talismanic Sunil Chhetri has had a record-equalling season, scoring 14 goals and bagging two assists in 27 matches. The 40-year-old has defied expectations by matching the numbers of his personal best season from 2017-18 (14G, 2A), and has carried his form into the playoffs, heading the strike against FC Goa in the semi-final that handed the Blues a place in the summit fixture.

Lalengmawia Ralte: Lalengmawia Ralte has been a powerhouse at the centre of the park for MBSG, playing 21 games and averaging 47 passes per match at 83% accuracy. The midfielder has produced 14 goal-scoring opportunities, making 17 clearances, 31 interceptions, emerging victorious in 106 duels, in addition to rounding off 131 recoveries.
His only goal so far for the Mariners was the decisive one in the semi-final that sent MBSG into the final.

Rahul Bheke: The 34-year-old Rahul Bheke has been an inspired signing made by Bengaluru FC in the summer, in a move that has paid rich dividends over the course of the season. The seasoned defender has been vital to their philosophy of building attacks up from the back, averaging 50 passes per game at 85% accuracy. He has won 18 tackles, 44 aerial duels, alongside registering 15 blocks, 26 interceptions, and 80 recoveries.

Subhasish Bose: The MBSG defender has been dynamic on both ends of the field this season, making the third-most interceptions (46) and scoring six goals, only behind Chhetri (14) and Brison Fernandes (7) amongst Indian players. Subhasish Bose has been an excellent leader, winning an astonishing 152 duels, demonstrating his willingness to commit to tough situations and winning the ball back for his side, as enumerated by his 44 victorious tackles too.