ISL 2017: Are Jamshedpur FC Steve Coppell's new band of beasts?
The Jamshedpur FC is the newest team competing at the ISL. Following Tata Steel's bidding rights for spots in the ISL, these lads bring stories from Jharkhand to the football world. The ISL today showcases talent from all across the globe and the latest competitor, Jamshedpur FC is no short of exhilarating flair and rugged gameplay.
Two games down this season, JFC have managed not to concede a single goal and muster even against NorthEast United and the infamous Kerala Blasters. Head coach Steve Coppell's tactical know-how seems to be keeping the side on top of their game and on par with the experienced lot.
The fitness levels witnessed at their last outing against Kerala Blasters was atop ISL standards. With a versatile fusion of culture, JFC is home to the likes of Subrata Pal and Anas Edathodika, among others.
Aged 31, Subrata Paul has proved his mettle at various occasions. This venture with the newly formed Jamshedpur team is just another addition to his list of world-class saves. Two clean sheets already this season, he's got the goal post covered for JFC.
Cameroonian Andre Bikey, defender who set sail from Espanyol B in Catalonia played under 10 minutes in the past two matches, only to showcase his powerful taste for the game despite being sent off with a red card against NorthEast United. This hadn't cost the team the match as they drew nil-nil against NorthEast United FC. It goes to show that the overall playing-style is gradually evolving into a more physically challenging scenario.
The presence of Mehtab Hossain, dubbed as the 'Claude Makelele of Indian football' is a sign of solidity for a team that has just joined the cash-rich league. Battling against the Blasters was just another game for the former Kerala Blasters star as they drew that match as well.
It is evident that Steve Coppell clearly knows how to get the best out of Jamshedpur's beasts. Racking up a red card against NorthEast barely affected their defensive fortification, exhibiting veteran English footballing groundwork.
With a strong set of forwards to propel the effective defensive options of Jamshedpur FC, fitness seems to be the only issue with them.
As the season progresses, a whole lot more can be expected from Coppell's band of beasts, The experienced talent pool and promising tactical approach surely will carry them a long way, provided the players are fit and in form, without having to rely on new squad additions just yet. Nevertheless, Jameshedpur fans have already began a new chant for their heroes in red. And Coppell seems to be riled up with the energy that he brings to fans countrywide.