Intense battle on cards: Five players to watch out for in ISL final between MBSG and Bengaluru FC

Kolkata (West Bengal): Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) is set to lock horns with Bengaluru FC (BFC) on Saturday at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) in the final of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25, as per the ISL Media Team.

While MBSG will be eyeing the coveted double, having already clinched the League Shield, the Blues will target the ISL Cup to cap off a captivating campaign under Gerard Zaragoza's tutelage.

Both sides have embodied impeccable teamwork and collective brilliance, which have propelled them to the summit clash. However, when the stakes are high, it is often the cutting-edge excellence of an individual that enables teams to differentiate themselves from their opponents.

Jamie Maclaren has been a revelation in his debut ISL season, netting 11 goals and notching two assists in 24 appearances, recording a conversion rate of 35.48%. His defined role upfront results in him embracing limited responsibility in the final third, contributing minimally to the build-up, and instead banking on his tremendous efficiency to consistently get MBSG strikes.

Maclaren hasn't found the back of the net in either of his two appearances against Bengaluru FC, though.

The talismanic Sunil Chhetri has had a record-equalling season, scoring 14 goals and bagging two assists in 27 matches. The 40-year-old has defied expectations by matching the numbers of his personal best season from 2017-18 (14G, 2A), and has carried his form into the playoffs, heading in the strike against FC Goa in the semi-final that handed the Blues a place in the summit fixture.

Lalengmawia Ralte has been a powerhouse at the centre of the park for MBSG, playing 21 games and averaging 47 passes per match at 83% accuracy. The midfielder has produced 14 goal-scoring opportunities, made 17 clearances, 31 interceptions, emerged victorious in 106 duels, and rounded off 131 recoveries.

He has won the third-most tackles (48) in the competition, and his only goal so far for the Mariners was the decisive one in the semi-final that sent MBSG into the final. Jose Molina will bank on the ex-Mumbai City FC star to help them dictate the flow of the proceedings in the middle.

Rahul Bheke has been an inspired signing made by Bengaluru FC in the summer, in a move that has paid off over the course of the season.

The seasoned defender has been vital to their philosophy of building attacks from the back, averaging 50 passes per game at 85% accuracy. He has won 18 tackles and 44 aerial duels, alongside registering 15 blocks, 26 interceptions, and 80 recoveries. His 121 clearances have been essential in enabling the Blues to keep 10 clean sheets, and the 34-year-old has also contributed in the final third with three goals to his name.

Subhasish Bose, the MBSG defender, has been dynamic at both ends of the field this season, making the third-most interceptions (46) and scoring six goals – only behind Chhetri (14) and Brison Fernandes (7) among Indian players. Bose has been an excellent leader, winning an astonishing 152 duels and demonstrating his willingness to commit to tough situations and win the ball back for his side, as reflected in his 44 successful tackles.

Bengaluru FC will naturally have plans in place to cut down Bose's impact both defensively and offensively, something he will have to navigate to power his team to a historic ISL Cup title in front of their home crowd. Both teams have displayed consistency and promise throughout the season.

The aforementioned players look set to play a crucial part in delivering the performances needed to make that final push and lay their hands on the ISL Cup. | ANI