3 ways in which Dimitrios Diamantakos can improve East Bengal
East Bengal made headlines this week when they announced the signing of the 2023/24 Indian Super League (ISL) joint-top scorer Dimitrios Diamantakos. The versatile footballer has signed a two-year-long contract with the Red and Gold Brigade.
The former Kerala Blasters (KBFC) man scored 13 goals for Kerala Blasters last season, taking up the attacking mantle from captain Adrian Luna, who sustained a major injury and was sidelined.
Having finished ninth in the league last season, Carles Cuadrat will be expecting a lot from Diamantikos, who could be seen in an intriguing striking pair with club captain Cleiton Silva.
Let's take a look at three ways in which Diamantakos can improve East Bengal and push them closer to their first-ever Indian Super League (ISL) trophy.
#1 Dynamic goalscoring ability
In the 2023-24 season, East Bengal scored just 27 goals in the league, the third-lowest among all teams. Diamantakos alone scored almost half as many goals as that.
The Greek footballer also scores from various regions across the pitch. In the 2022-23 season, the majority of his goals for KBFC came from outside the box as he operated as a midfielder.
In the previous season, however, Diamantakos turned more into a marksman, as 12 of his 13 goals came from inside the box. He can slot into a second striker position behind Cleiton and combine with the likes of Naorem Mahesh and Nandhakumar Sekar.
#2 Can play in multiple positions
Diamantakos has played in a number of positions throughout his career - as a central midfielder, a winger, and most recently as a centre-forward.
With a strong physique and natural footballing ability, the 31-year-old has the potential to turn games around single-handedly. He can fight the battles in midfield, run down the flanks when needed, and also get onto the ends of crosses with his commendable aerial prowess.
The footballer has also put in a defensive shift whenever needed by his team.
#3 Experienced personality
Diamantakos has played in the ISL for the last two seasons, and has proved himself to be a big personality, impacting his teammates and pushing them forward with his charisma.
Apart from Cleiton Silva and Mahesh Naorem Singh, very few East Bengal FC players have consistently performed for the badge. The Greek's inclusion in the team gives the century-year-old club tried and tested quality.
With two of the last top scorers in the league in their ranks, East Bengal fans would be expecting a lot of goals from the team as they attempt to lift the trophies that have been eluding them so far.