Jamshedpur FC vs FC Goa: 3 Gaurs to watch out for
posted in Match Preview by Souvik Roy Chowdhury on 22nd December 2020
posted in Match Preview
by Souvik Roy Chowdhury
on 22nd December 2020
Jamshedpur FC vs FC Goa: 3 Gaurs to watch out for
FC Goa will look to get their season back on track on Wednesday when they take on Jamshedpur FC in what will be their first game at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Vasco.
The Gaurs started off impressively this season but lapses in concentration in crucial moments and lady luck deserting them in crucial moments meant that they only had 3 points to show from their opening 2 games.
They seemed to have finally figured it out in the coming days with wins over Kerala and Odisha providing proof for the same. That streak, though, was followed by two consecutive defeats at the hands of ATK Mohun Bagan and Chennaiyin FC.
Wednesday’s game represents the Gaurs’ 4th game in the space of 11 days and a chance of putting the stop to the mini-rot.
So, who can be difference makers? Here are three names that we feel can make a real impact in the Jamshedpur game.
#1 Lenny Rodrigues
Lenny is like one’s mother’s home cooked food. One never truly is able to appreciate the presence of it in one’s life unless it’s suddenly not there any more. The central midfielder has been a vital cog to the FC Goa machinery ever since signing for the Gaurs in 2018.
Last game saw Lenny not in the starting line up for the first time in 52 games – the longest ever streak at the club. However, he was back onto the field near the hour mark – to help lend some balance to the FC Goa XI.
A real grafter, Lenny is a link between the defence and midfield when going forward. And a shield for the defence when retreating. He provides a balance like no one else and it won’t be a surprise to see him back in the line-up for the game against Jamshedpur FC.
#2 Alexander Romario Jesuraj
The winger from Dindigul has taken to life in the Indian Super League like a duck to water. Having impressed after coming on as a substitute in the season-opener against Bengaluru, the 24-year-old has swiftly become an integral part of Juan Ferrando’s blueprint.
After providing the assist for the equaliser against Bengaluru, the winger has provided two more assists – first for the winner against Odisha and then in the last game to help the Gaurs equalise after having fallen back early on in the game.
Romario currently sits joint second on the assists column in the ISL this season alongside Mumbai’s Bipin Singh and former Gaur, Jackichand Singh.
All eyes will again be on the man from Tamil Nadu to provide a real impetus on the wings when Goa take on Jamshedpur.
#3 Jorge Ortiz
The Spaniard looks to be coming into his own with each passing game. The winger has the skills, guile and pace to coast past his man, a real eye for goal and an equally vicious shot on his right foot.
Capable of the extraordinary, the 28-year-old provides a real spark and drive to the Gaurs’ frontline and then there are the goals. Ortiz slammed home Goa’s equaliser in the last game that showed nearly all facets of his capabilities.
The winger showed great strength and a good first touch to bring the ball under control and keep it under pressure before going off on a darting run inside. The former Atlético Baleares man then played in Alexander Romario Jesuraj on the right courtesy of a defence-splitting ball whilst continuing his run.
His timely run was rewarded with an equally brilliant cut back by Romario and the rest, as they say, is history. The Goa no. 9 slammed home into the roof of the net from the edge of the penalty box, leaving Vishal Kaith in the Chennaiyin goal without a prayer.
After scoring two in the last three games, it won’t surprise anyone if he again adds to his tally against Jamshedpur.