ISL: Mumbai City FC - 5 Takeaways from the 2014 season
It was a disappointing end to the first season of the Indian Super League for Mumbai City FC as they finished seventh and second-last in the table. Ranbir Kapoor’s side ended their campaign with 16 points courtesy of four wins and four draws.There was much promise and expectation from this team before the tournament began with the managerial expertise and personnel in play, but ultimately it was a season to forget for the Mumbai boys. Here we reflect on the just concluded season for Mumbai City.
#1 The players who shone
There were more disappointments than positives for Mumbai in this inaugural season, yet there were a few players who excelled through the campaign.
Jan Stohanzl – By far, the best player for Mumbai over the entire duration of the campaign by a mile. The Czech midfielder was a relentless engine in the middle of the park, full of running for Mumbai, providing his team with a lot of impetus and energy in that department.
He was also brilliant at breaking up play and never shied away from putting in a tackle or two. A hard, uncompromising midfielder who gave it his all in every single match, Stohanzl was their player of the season.
Subrata Paul – Mumbai conceded 21 goals in their 14 games, a little too much for their own good. If not for India goalkeeper Paul, that figure could have been even greater. Yes, he did have some fidgety moments in a few games, but overall Paul was superb for Mumbai trying his best to limit his side’s damages.
He was one of the few players to play every single game for Mumbai. He kept seven clean sheets and out of a total of 70 shots on his goal, saved 49. He ended up with the second-most saves made behind Kristof van Hout of the Delhi Dynamos. That just about says it all!