I still remember the screamer of a goal that zoomed past Mumbai City FC's goalkeeper in the opening game of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2014. A belter that has the capability of giving goosebumps till date. Yes, it was scored by none other than Atletico de Kolkata's midfield maestro Borja Fernandez.
It was rather easy as a cakewalk for this Spanish midfield wizard to announce himself on Indian soil during the first season of the ISL. Head coach Antonio Habas and the team management have decided to retain him for the second consecutive season for the defending champions of the ISL. And is indeed a right decision.
Precision passing, a touch of tiki-taka, superb presence of mind and controlling the midfield, these are all Fernandez's attributes and he is way more than that. He was instrumental in many of Atletico de Kolkata's victories during the first edition of the ISL and he will be looking forward to do the same this year as well.
Fernandez was highly regarded by many of the critics in the first season, especially by his former Atletico de Kolkata skipper Luis Garcia. Although Garcia will not be a part of the Atletico de Kolkata franchise, he did not forget to send his best wishes for the fellow Spaniard.
Fernandez went back to Spain after a successful ISL campaign in 2014 and played for the La Liga side Eibar where he got a chance to feature against the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and others. And now he is back in India to cast his spell for the Sourav Ganguly co-owned franchise yet again.
Fernandez will have a powerful forward line to pass the ball to in the ISL 2015. Iain Hume, who was adjudged the best player of ISL 2014, and former Portugese international star Helder Postiga will take care of the Atlectico de Kolkata's attack. Fernandez does have the capability of churning out some delightful through balls and crosses and that's what makes him a maestro in the midfield.
Atletico de Kolkata manager Habas had also stated earlier that he definitely wanted to retain Fernandez for ISL 2015. And why will not he be? The seasoned Spaniard has given plethora of reasons during the ISL 2014 and as a result he will yet again don those proud red and white stripes.
The other teams, if you are reading this piece, then you better watch for this man!
