When Slavko Damjanovic was released, many Mohun Bagan fans were sceptical. They believed the current Mohun Bagan defence lacks a no-nonsense defender, who can cover for the ball playing Anwar Ali, and simultaneously can be a rock at the back and win headers to help Vishal Kaith and his defence.
After Brendan Hamill and Florentine Pogba joined practice, it was clear Mohun Bagan are not going to sign any foreign defender. But, there came a twist; Last week, Mohun Bagan mutually parted ways with Carl McHugh, who is set to sign for FC Goa. By that time, Mohun Bagan entered the market to sign someone who can play both as a centre back and CDM.
Rumours circulated regarding Matej Nastasic, but today, we heard from our sources, Mohun Bagan have accuired the service of Hector Yuste. Hector, 35, is currently a free agent. Last season he played for Omonia Nicosia, where he was often deployed as a centre back and occasionally as a CDM. Hector's highlight last season came against Manchester United where he put up a great fight against Cristiano Ronaldo.
Mohun Bagan🟢🔴 Defender Hector Yutse VS Manchester United🔴in 2022-23 Europa League:
— Sayak (@MainSayakHoon) August 2, 2023
•Minutes Played: 90'
•Clearances: 8
•Interceptions: 2
•Tackle: 1
•Shots Blocked: 2
•Aerial Duels Won: 1/1
•Ground Duels Won: 1/2
•Dribbled Past: 1
•Rating: 7/10#JoyMohunBagan🟢🔴 pic.twitter.com/LJE6CilBJC
Mohun Bagan have taken the motto of recruiting young players this season, so, Mohun Bagan fans are very sceptical and surprised about this signing.
Let's breakdown, why, even at 35, Hector Yuste can be the answer to Mohun Bagan's defensive concerns.
First of all, age is just a number in the modern game. We have seen Thiago Silva moving to Premiere League at the age of 38 and being one of the best Centre back on that competition.
We have seen Rostyn Griffiths joining Mumbai City at 34, and, this year he is all set to lead the defence for Mumbai at AFC Champions League.
So, let's not stick to the point that He is very old and can't succeed. Rather, let's discuss why this signing makes a lot of sense.
After signing Anwar Ali, Mohun Bagan decided to release Slavko, as both the players operate from the left side of the pitch and having two left sided CB in a 4 back system in a possession based side is suicidal.
Anwar Ali Hitmap last season for FC Goa
This team required a right footed Slavko or Sandesh Jhingan, who can allow Anwar Ali to push forward and be a stalwart at the back. That's why signing Hector makes so much sense. Hector will occupy the right centre back spot in the team, is very strong aerially and is a very good tackler, exactly the profile Mohun Bagan needed.
Hector Joins Mohun Bagan with vast experience. Hector started his career at Spanish Segunda division side Cartagena, but his career kickstarted when he joined Cadiz CF on 2011-12. From that season onwards, he became a familiar name in the Spanish second division. His last spell in Spanish league came with Mallorca in 2017. After that he joined Cypriot club Apollon Limassol.He scored against Everton for Apollon, which helped his team drew 2-2. After spending four years, he joined Omonia of the same league, which has been the most successful spell of his career so far. He won 3 trophies, played against Manchester United.
With vast experience at his side, and being aerially very dominant, Hector Yuste is a shrewd piece of business from Mohun Bagan management. Hector has the experience to play in a 4 man defence and 3 man defence too, which coach Juan Ferrando will surely like and must have considered before making this deal happen.
After releasing Carl, Mohun Bagan doesn't have any foreign CDM in the squad either, and with his previous experience of playing that position, Hector can step in occasionally to help Juan solve his midfield dilema if required.
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