ISL 2016: Predicted XI for Kerala Blasters
Kerala Blasters FC has tasted both the sweet and the sour so far in the two ISL seasons. In their inaugural season, Blasters had a dream run to the final, only going down to Atletico de Kolkata in an injury time goal by Mohammed Rafique.
The second season of ISL saw Blasters team hitting rock bottom in the points table after the huge success in the inaugural season and there were open disputes between the management and the fans, which were even seen protesting in a home match wearing gags over their mouths.
Also Read: ISL 2016: Kerala Blasters to conduct pre-season training camp in Kolkata
A brand new season and a brand new opportunity, we look at how the Kochi outfit might line-up this season.
Sportskeeda looks at the strongest eleven on paper of Kerala Blasters, which is co-owned by Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and coached by former Manchester United player Steven Coppell.
Formation: 4-3-1-2
Goalkeepers and Defenders
Goalkeeper: Graham Stack
The English-born Irish goalkeeper is expected to be the man between the sticks for Kerala Blasters this season. At 34, former Arsenal and Barnet goalkeeper come to the ISL with a bag full of experience from the English soil.
RB: Rino Anto
Rino Anto, 28, who was sold for a whopping 90 lakhs to Atletico de Kolkata in the ISL auction last year, has joined the Blasters squad this season and is expected to be an automatic pick in the playing eleven. The Kerala-born full-back has been in the rich vein of form this season for Bengaluru FC, who has the second-best defensive record in the I-League.
CB: Aaron Hughes (Captain)
The marquee player for Blasters this season, Hughes, unlike the previous marquee signings is fully matched fit and is expected to lead the side throughout the season. The 36-year-old Northern Ireland and former New Castle star enter the tournament after successfully competing in the recently concluded EURO 2016.
He has both the experience and the talent and is expected to form a strong central defensive partnership with Cedric Hengbart.
CB: Cedric Hengbart
The return of the prodigal son, Cedric Hengbart, has certainly put a smile back on the Blasters supporters, who were left reeling upon seeing Cedric leaving Blasters for North East United in the ISL season 2.
The Frenchman played a crucial role in Blasters march to the final in the inaugural ISL season and is expected to bring back that quality in defense this season. The highly experienced player is a ball playing defender, who can carry the ball out from the back and initiates quick counter attacks.
LB: Sandesh Jhingan
The performance of the Chandigarh lad for Blasters in the inaugural edition of the ISL attracted plaudits from all quarters of the game, and Jhingan also went on to receive the AIFF Emerging Footballer of the Year award as well. The talented all-round defender will be an automatic pick for Steve Coppell’s side.