Jamshedpur FC have always been a team which can create surprises and also big upsets. Finishing in a spot just below the playoff qualifications two times after their inception, in this season they will be looking to get into the playoffs by any cost. Let’s look into their foreign recruitments under head coach Owen Coyle.
1)PETER HARTLEY – ENGLAND(33)-CB
Peter Hartley joined JFC for the seventh season of ISL from the Scottish club Motherwell FC and was the captain of “Men of Steel“ last year. A Center-back by position , Peter started his career with Sunderland and has plied his trade across England and Scotland. Peter Hartley has made over 400 appearances in professional football in his career and has added 30+ goals to his name. Hartley has been solid at the backline for Jamshedpur last season and has scored 2 goals for them in 19 appearances he made. The 6 feet 1 inch tall Hartley has very good arial capacity and can create dangers during set-pieces. Alongside Stephen Eze in the 2020-21 season Hartley created a very solid centre-back duo and it wasn’t easy to surpass them and score goals. Jamshedpur can anticipate the same kind of performance from him if the combo between Peter and Eli Sabia works out well.
2) ELI SABIA – BRAZIL(33)-CB
Eli Sabia is a familiar name for Indian football fans since he joined former ISL champions Chennaiyin FC. Sabia was part of 2016-17 Chennaiyin team and rejoined the club prior to the 2018-19 season. A natural centre-back by position, Eli Sabia started his career through Paulista FC in Brazil back in 2006. He has played in different clubs across Brazil and also in Switzerland and Saudi Arabia. This 1.88m tall defender has played 67 games in Indian Super League itself and has given 4 goal contributions to his sides. Eli Sabia has the ability to win aerial duals and is outstanding with his tackles. He was a crucial part of Chennaiyin FC’s magical run in season 7 to the finals under Owen Coyle and has now reunited with his former gaffer.
3) ALEX LIMA – BRAZIL(32)- CM
The Brazilian midfielder started his professional career from Swiss club, FC Gossau. The 32 year old midfielder has plied his trade across Switzerland, America and Asia. He joined Jamshedpur FC for 2020-21 season from Ho Chi Minh City club based in Vietnam. Alex is a versatile player who can play in different midfield positions and always has an eye for goal. He is a kind of player which can control the game and can possess constant threats to the opposition.
4) GREG STEWART – SCOTLAND(31) – FORWARD
Greg Stewart is a star player who won the Scottish Premiership last season with Rangers FC under legendary Steven Gerrard. This 31-year-old forward who can play on wings as well has played across England and Scotland and has managed to keep a very high profile. He is a centre-forward who not just scores goals but also loves to provide them also. Greg has always been excellent with his foot from the start of his career itself and will be pleased to explore a new challenge in India. With the given stats he is a serious contender for ISL Golden Boot this season. His technical abilities and skills raise the hopes of Men of Steel.
5) NERIJUS VALSKIS – LITHUANIA(34) – FORWARD
Valskis, another familiar person to the Indian fans, started his career with Zalgiris Vilnius of his native. This 34-year-old forward has played as the target man and second striker as well. He is that kind of player who actually converts most of his close-range attempts and can contribute to other players also. Valskis played a vital role in Chennaiyin FC’s run-riot to the finals of ISL 7,bagged 15 goals and won the Golden Boot of the same season. Later when Owen Coyle joined Jamshedpur FC, Valskis also switched his side. For Jamshedpur FC in the 2020-21 season, he scored 8 goals. Valskis is more deployed as centre-forward and is a brilliant penalty taker. His partnership with Jordan Murray and Greg Stewart guarantees a goal if he can bring back his form.
6) JORDAN MURRAY – AUSTRALIA(26) – CF
The former Kerala Blasters player fills the Asian quota of JFC. This young forward started his professional football career with Central Coast Mariners, which currently competes in A-League and shifted his base to India in 2020. He became top goal contributor for KBFC in ISL 7 just after Gary Hooper as he scored 7 goals and gave 1 assist. Murray, a fan-favourite player back in KBFC, when joining with Valskis and Stewart in Jamshedpur’s frontline assures threat to the opposition. This 1.83m tall forward also has good aerial ability which makes him more dangerous in goal, if used properly.
?️ _NAVYA_
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