ISL 2017/18: Jamshedpur FC rope in Trindade Goncalves
Trindade Goncalves plied his trade for FC Goa last season
What's the story?
ISL debutantes Jamshedpur FC have roped in young Brazilian midfielder Trindade Goncalves for the upcoming season. The team from the steel city announced their latest signing on Twitter.
In case you didn't know...
This will be Goncalves' second season in the ISL after having represented FC Goa in 2016.
The 22-year-old was signed on loan from Brazilian side Flamengo where he played in defence. Zico, the manager of FC Goa last season, however, used his countryman mainly in midfield where he caught the eye courtesy of his flashy dribbling and pace.
The heart of the matter
Last season, Goncalves didn't have the greatest of times in India as FC Goa struggled with injuries galore - eventually finishing dead last in the ISL table. Goncalves, however, was one of those who, fortunately for the FC Goa hierarchy remained injury-free, making 13 appearances for the Gaurs.
The Brazilian, however, didn't manage to find the back of the net in any game last season. Goncalves first shot into the limelight when he helped Flamengo B side win the Junior Campeonato Carioca in 2015.
After being promoted, to the senior in January 2016, the fleet-footed footballer made only one appearance for the legendary Brazilian side before moving out on loan three different times. Having finished his time with FC Goa in the ISL last season, the youngster was again loaned out to Ceará Sporting Club and GO Audax earlier this year.
Goncalves becomes Jamshedpur's sixth foreign signing this off-season. The new ISL team had earlier secured the services of André Bikey, Tiri, Sameehg Doutie, Kervens Belfort, and fellow Brazilian Memo.
What's next?
Jamshedpur first big move of the off-season came when they got hold of Steve Coppell. The former Manchester United man had taken the Kerala Blasters to the final of the ISL last season and will now be looking to lead Jamshedpur to glory.
Author's take
Whilst Trindade failed to make a telling impact, the young Brazilian certainly showed some flashes of brilliance with his running with the ball and pace whilst attacking. He, however, failed to get much support from an FC Goa team that was built in haste last season after a late appeal rescinded a heavy point and financial penalties they had incurred after a fight broken out after final whistle of the 2015 ISL Final.
Coppell seems to be filling his team with powerful runners who have the ability to run past the backline and create trouble. The signing of Sameegh Doutie and Kervens Belfort had already signalled towards that and their latest signing signals more towards such an approach.