Kolkata, Oct 18 (PTI) High on confidence after an ideal start to their campaign with back-to-back victories, Atletico de Kolkata will look to keep the momentum going when they take on a star-studded Delhi Dynamos FC in their Indian Super League match here tomorrow.
Luis Garcia’s men have played some quality football since the franchise league kicked off at this very turf, Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan last Sunday.
While it was Mumbai City FC who were handed a 0-3 rout at home, in their away fixture, ATK outplayed NorthEast United FC 2-0 despite their strong local presence.
The Dynamos, on the other hand, are yet to fire despite the presence of Italian World Cup winner Alessandro Del Piero.
They had settled for a goalless draw in their opening game against FC Pune City.
Most of the teams have so far struggled to weave together as a team, even though every side consists of big names. But Kolkata franchise, with its rich Spanish flavour but no World Cuppers and only lesser known players, has surprised many with strong team bonding, something the team think-tank should get the credit for. ATK had a one month pre-season training at Atletico’s base camp in Madrid.
It’s their UEFA winner and former Liverpool star Garcia who has been the centre of their raids.
Fikru Teferra, after scoring the opening goals in both their matches, will once again be the cynosure of all eyes.
The strongly built footballer, who is known for his agility, has shown great anticipation skills and positioning sense. The 28-year-old has so far been a nightmare for the opponents.
Fikru’s James Rodriguez-style World Cup goal when he brilliantly chest-trapped the ball, followed by a side-volley to score against NEUFC was a real treat for fans.
It’s not only his goalscoring skills, but also his trademark aerial somersault that follows his goals that has been the photographers’ and fans’ delight.
It will be interesting to see how Dynamos with their Belgian defender Wim Raymakers and Indian Anwar Ali in the central defence contend Fikru.