Overview:
Hyderabad FC aka The Nizams had a forgetful debut campaign in 2019-’20 as they finished bottom of the table, registering just two wins only. The Nizams had the league’s worst defense conceding 39 times and the competition’s second-poorest attack scoring just 21 times.
Coaches/Formation:
Manuel Roca is vastly experienced having coached for more than 15 years in the Spanish lower divisions. His best stint as a manager was with Las Palmas B team in 2016 when he helped them gain promotion. This team was hand-made by Albert Roca later Manuel Roca got the opportunity to become the gaffer of The Nizams. Roca is a versatile coach with a balanced approach as per practice matches played, the team formation might be 4-2-3-1, if trailing they may switch to 4-3-3 with an aggressive approach.
The Team:
Strikers: Our Rating 8.5/10
Hyderabad FC’s strength certainly lies in this attack department. Aridane Santana, Fran Sandaza, and Joel Chianese have a great proven track record. If provided uninterrupted supply, the trio can wreak havoc in the opposition’s box. In previous they just scored 21 goals so the management wants to change that figures definitely. Young Prodigy Rohit Danu is a new recruit to the side who might be eager to play for The Nizams.
Midfielders: Our Rating 7.5/10
Joao Victor and Lluis Sastre, who will be pulling the strings at the center of the park, can provide ample supply to the attackers. The promising duo of Hitesh Sharma and Nikhil Poojary will offer Marquez great options. Adil Khan has been a revelation in national colors and Hyderabad FC fans will be hoping that the versatile goan extends his fine run of form into ISL. The new recruits Souvik Chakroborty and Holicharan Narzary might give them the X-factor which was missing in the previous season.
Goalkeepers/Defenders: Our Rating 7/10
They are also well stacked in the goalkeeping department, having drafted the seasoned Subrata Paul and the dependable Laxmikant Kattimani. Odei Onaindia will lead the backline and his excellence in aerial battles will be an added advantage for Hyderabad. Hyderabad FC as they will have to rely heavily on their inexperienced Indian contingent. Despite conceding an abysmal 39 goals, the Nizams have brought in just a solitary foreign defender and are certainly short on quality in the backline.
Hyderabad FC Score Card:
Total: 23.0/30
Foreigners: Odei Onaindia (DF), Joao Victor, Lluis Sastre (MF), Aridane Santana, Fran Sandanza, Joel Chianese (FW).
Notable Indian names: Subrata Paul, Laxmikant Kattimani (GK), Adil Khan, Nikhil Poojary, Souvik Chakraborty, Halicharan Narzary (MF).
Probable Emerging Indian players: Rohit Danu, Liston Colaco (FW), Ashish Rai (DF), Abhishek Halder (MF).
Source: Hyderabad FC ISL Profile Page
