If FC Goa are to seal a record fifth-consecutive appearance in the playoffs of the Hero ISL, the Gaurs need to make a move soon. Stranded in 9th place on the table, this is not how most Goa faithful would have imagined this season following the triumph in the Durand Cup in early October. 

The Gaurs’ season has been one that has been marred by injuries, suspensions, a mid-season change in head coach and now a COVID outbreak in the bio-bubble. All of this has meant the Gaurs have never really had the chance to string together results with much consistency. 

The game against SC East Bengal on Wednesday night gives them a chance to take their unbeaten run to 4 games. And who should you have your eyes on as FC Goa look to do the double over SC East Bengal? We have you covered. Here are three Gaurs you need to watch out for:

#1 Anwar Ali

The youngster has taken to life in the ISL like a duck to water. He has been a pleasant addition to the Goa backline that was looking for some quality Indian additions and he seems to be the timely medicine that the Gaurs needed. 

In his season against Chennaiyin, Anwar recorded 11 interceptions, the highest for any FC Goa defender in a single game this season. His ability with the ball and calm head at the back has already started turning heads and if Goa are to get anything from the game, their backline with Ali needs to keep things fortified at the back whilst lending a helping hand in the build-up.

#2 Jorge Ortiz

There is a sense of anticipation everytime Ortiz is in the picture. The fleet-footed forward has been deployed all over the pitch – as the Gaurs look for the best match-ups and spaces for him to exploit every time they go on the charge. 

The Spaniard would be disappointed to have missed a gilt-edged opportunity in the last game. The focus – for both FC Goa and the East Bengal defence – will firmly be on the exploits of the winger-forward yet again. 

#3 Alexander Romario Jesuraj

The man from Dindigul got back his starting spot in the last game, playing as right-wing back. Never one to shy away from the rigours of playing the wing-back position, the new system seems to be a perfect match for the industrious winger. 

In the last game against NorthEast, Romario presented a real viable solution both going forward as well as when tracking back. The former Chennai City man had 4 touches in the opposition penalty (highest amongst Indians), ending up playing the furthest forward amongst all FC Goa players. 

While no one will ever question his work ethic, FC Goa fans can expect their team to move up another gear if Romario can deliver in the final third