Kolkata Derby: The Kolkata Derby is a few hours away as ATK Mohun Bagan take on arch-rivals SC East Bengal in the Indian Super League for the second time this season. While ATK Mohun Bagan have had more of the joy in the Derby off late, that can change very quickly as SC East Bengal have brought in some quality reinforcements to turn the tide in their favour. Follow all the ISL 2021-22 LIVE Updates only on InsideSport.IN
It promises to be a much closer encounter than the first one and it will be interesting to see how these players turn up against each other on the big occasion.
Here are the five players who can be decisive in the Kolkata Derby
Tiri
Take a look at Tiri’s incredible numbers as he approaches a landmark 100th game! 🔥💚♥️
P.S.: No other foreigner has made 100 Hero ISL appearances yet.#ATKMohunBagan #JoyMohunBagan #AmraSobujMaroon #HeroISL pic.twitter.com/K4eRUAF2y0
— Mohun Bagan Super Giant (@mohunbagansg) January 27, 2022
The Spanish defender has been the leader at the back for the Mariners. Tiri binds the defence together and his experience in such big matches will definitely come in handy. Tiri is someone who always elevates his games on the big occasions. The Spaniard is here for a long time and understands Indian football more than any other foreign player.
Tiri lacked that consistency last year especially during the playoffs and also in the final. But this season he is determined to prove a point and it will be interesting to see how he keeps the likes of Marcelo Ribeiro, Antonio Perosevic and Semboi Haokip at bay in the Kolkata Derby. His calm and composed nature and exceptional game reading has made him a top defender and he will surely look to make a mark for the Mariners on the big day.
Liston Colaco
Amidst all the stars at ATK Mohun Bagan, Liston Colaco has been the most impressive this season. The young Goan has scored five goals along with an assist and will be looking to add more to his tally. He has grown as a player ever since he joined ATK Mohun Bagan and played under the tutelage of Antonio Habas. The Spaniard gave him the freedom to take his shots and that has carried on to Juan Ferrando who has also allowed him full license to roam around the final third and take shots. Both the Spanish tactician have shown immense trust in his abilities which speak volumes about his talent.
Colaco scored a goal in the first leg when the Mariners won 3-0 against SC East Bengal and will look to replicate that in this fixture aswell. He looked really good against Odisha FC in their return. He caused a lot of problems for their defenders in the first half and will look to do more of the same against the Red and Golds.
Antonio Perosevic
One of the stalwarts in this SC East Bengal side, Antonio Perosevic needs to finally step up to the big occasion. The Croatian has been the most impressive foreigner for the Red and Golds this season and he needs to prove that in the Kolkata Derby. It has been a topsy turvy ride for the forward as he started really well but then was banned due to misconduct.
So the SC East Bengal faithful will hope that their talisman in attack get back in form and delivers an inspirational performance that lifts his team against the Mariners. The Croatian versatile forward has featured in eight matches till now and have found the net twice along with an assist.
David Williams
If reports are believed then Roy Krishna may not start the big clash, so in that case, the Green and Maroons will look forward to David Williams scoring those crucial goals. He has been a man for the big occasions and a lot will rely on how he turns up against the Red and Golds. The Australian forward has had a very quiet tournament till now as he has recorded only two goals in nine matches. But he can surely make a difference on the big night against the arch-rivals.
In all likelihood, Williams will lead the lines for ATK Mohun Bagan as he will loo to keep the SC East Bengal defenders on their toes throughout the game. He has that daunting presence and an excellent eye for goal. While he is naturally a forward he can also push wide on either flank to create overload and allow the likes of Liston Colaco and Manvir Singh to capitalise on the spaces created by the Australian. Williams surely will have a huge rote to play and his performance may influence the result of the game.
Marcelo Ribeiro
The newly arrived Brazilian striker can create wonders for SC East Bengal in the Kolkata Derby. He is an absolute unknown commodity for the ATK Mohun Bagan defenders. So it will be interesting to see how things turn out. Ribeiro made his ISL debut against Hyderabad FC when he came on late in the game. In just a glimpse he showed great ball control and physicality to shrug off Joao Victor in defence and earn a penalty.
If he gets in those kinds of positions in the ATK Mohun Bagan final third then the former Gil Vicente FC forward will create a lot of problems for the opposition defenders. Mario Rivera will hope that Marcelo puts an end to their goalscoring woes and they will be hoping that it starts from this match against ATK Mohun Bagan.
Editors pick
