Goa, February 15, 2022: FC Goa reminded everyone last week as to what they are capable of as they put five past Chennaiyin FC to secure a much-deserved win. And now they look to carry on that momentum into Tuesday night’s clash against ATK Mohun Bagan as they look to mount a late charge for a place in the playoff.

The team from Kolkata have a familiar face in head coach Juan Ferrando, who formerly held the same role at Goa. Both teams, hence, have plenty of things in common including their possession-based playing style. 

Ferrando would know Goa’s strengths well and the Gaurs would also be aware of what to expect from the Spaniard’s team. All these factors make the upcoming match a very interesting affair.

Ahead of the game, here’s a detailed look into three FC Goa players to watch out for on Tuesday.

1. Ivan Gonzalez

The Spanish centre-back was in the thick of things last Wednesday when the Gaurs took on Chennaiyin FC. He led them to their second clean sheet of the season and was equally important in their build-up play.

Ivan has been one of the best defenders in the whole of the ISL this season and his numbers speak for themselves. The 32-year-old averages 4.23 tackles, 2.15 interceptions, 2.85 clearances and 1.23 blocks per game, and has stood out despite FC Goa’s underwhelming defensive displays this season.

ATK Mohun Bagan boast of a strong attacking lineup that includes former Gaurs Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh and Hugo Boumous. Add Roy Krishna, Kiyan Nassiri, David Williams and Joni Kauko to the mix and one understands why their frontline is touted so highly. On Tuesday, Ivan Gonzalez will shoulder the big responsibility of keeping these players and bay – and if he succeeds, the Gaurs will have better chances of winning.

2. Alberto Noguera

This is Alberto Noguera’s second successive season with the Gaurs, and proving to be as important to the FC Goa cause this time around as much as he was last season. The midfielder has appeared in 15 out of the 16 matches that FC Goa has played so far, and has also notched three goals and two assists.

The Spaniard is involved in all phases of the game for the Gaurs – whether it be building up from the back or providing the vital link between the midfield and forwards. One of the best passers in the league, the Spaniard has completed 809 passes so far (which is the third best among all ISL players this season) with an impressive accuracy of 83.68%.

It is no secret that both ATKMB and Goa love to play a possession-based passing style of football. The battle in midfield would hence be an integral part of the clash, and the team that dominates there have greater chances of victory. Noguera’s form will hence be extremely crucial for the Gaurs on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old is also the most fouled player in the league this season – it looks like other teams know who exactly they have to be worried about when they take on FC Goa.

3. Makan Chothe

Makan Chothe got just 18 minutes of game time last season in the ISL. However, with the help of hard work and dedication, he has been able to nail down a place in Derrick Pereira’s playing XI this time. He has made 11 appearances already this season and considering his form, he is not stopping anytime soon.

It was Chothe who opened the scoring for FC Goa in their rout of Chennaiyin FC last week. Amidst Jorge Ortiz’ hat-trick and Aibanbha Dohling’s all-round brilliance, the youngster’s sweetly-timed strike went underappreciated.

The 22-year-old picked up Aiban’s cross well and positioned himself perfectly to fire a first-time volley into the Chennaiyin net. Hailed for his technical ability, the youngster gave a glimpse of what he is capable of. And now all the FC Goa faithful lie in wait for more from the youngster.

FC Goa would now want him to build on his good work and score some more goals as they continue to fight for a spot in the playoffs.