East Bengal’s long-awaited first win in the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) campaign came in dramatic fashion, as they triumphed over NorthEast United with a hard-fought victory. While the focus naturally went to the defensive unit and goalscorer Dimitrios Diamantakos, there was one player whose performance shone brightly, and that player was winger PV Vishnu.
Given the absence of Naorem Mahesh Singh and Nandhakumar Sekar due to suspensions, Vishnu was given an opportunity to start, and he seized it with both hands, making an indelible impact on the game. His spirited display against NorthEast United, alongside his substitute performances earlier in the season, has led many to believe that Vishnu deserves a more prominent role in East Bengal’s starting XI. In fact, he could be the ideal replacement for Mahesh Singh, who has struggled with form this season.
Here’s why PV Vishnu deserves a regular spot in the first team:
1. A Reliable Deliverer with Creativity
Against NorthEast United, Vishnu demonstrated his hardworking nature, frequently bypassing his marker on the left wing to position himself in dangerous areas. At just 22, he combines youth with a wealth of creativity, offering incisive crosses into the box that are both accurate and purposeful. His deliveries often find their intended target, showing a clear understanding of the striker’s positioning.
In contrast, Mahesh Singh has struggled to provide that spark of creativity. Despite being an integral part of the team, Mahesh has failed to register a single assist this season, with his final passes often going astray or lacking precision. His tendency to experiment with risky final balls has not paid off, leaving East Bengal’s attacking moves often incomplete.
Vishnu’s straightforward approach in his crossing and his emphasis on quality over experimentation make him a more reliable option for creating chances from wide areas. His performances in the Durand Cup and Calcutta Football League (CFL) further underline his crossing prowess, where he frequently delivered balls right into the striker’s path, something Mahesh has struggled to achieve consistently.
Coach Oscar Bruzon would be wise to continue to give Vishnu more playing time on the left flank, allowing him to utilize his crossing ability to create more opportunities for the team.
2. Unpredictable Movement in the Final Third
One of Vishnu’s standout qualities is his unpredictability in the final third. His clever timing of runs, combined with his work ethic to track back and help defensively, make him a well-rounded option for East Bengal. However, it’s his ability to cause havoc in the opposition’s half that sets him apart from Mahesh.
While Mahesh has often been static in his movement, making the same types of runs in the opposition’s half, Vishnu’s varied approach keeps defenders on edge. He has an impressive turn of pace, which allows him to accelerate past defenders when they least expect it. Additionally, his ability to drift out wide, whip in crosses from deep, or cut inside and take on defenders adds a level of unpredictability that Mahesh lacks.
Vishnu’s smart running nearly earned East Bengal a penalty against NorthEast United, highlighting his potential to create scoring chances through movement alone. His unpredictability in the final third makes him a far more dangerous player at the moment compared to Mahesh.
3. A Nose for Goals
When it comes to contributions in the final third, Vishnu has outperformed Mahesh Singh in terms of goals this season. While Mahesh has yet to find the back of the net or register an assist, Vishnu has already scored once, showcasing his ability to make a quick impact off the bench. His goal, which came shortly after his introduction in the match against Kerala Blasters, was a testament to his well-timed runs and sharp game reading.
Vishnu’s ability to score goals is not limited to just the ISL. In previous seasons, he demonstrated an eye for goal during the Calcutta Football League (CFL), where his clever runs and finishing ability allowed him to score several important goals. His confidence is on the rise, and with the right support and freedom to express himself in the final third, Vishnu could prove to be a consistent threat.
Vishnu has an innate ability to find space in the box and finish chances in a variety of ways, whether through smart positioning or clinical finishing. His versatility in front of goal makes him a far more potent attacking option than Mahesh, who has yet to show similar consistency or finishing ability.
Conclusion
As East Bengal looks to build on their recent success, it is becoming clear that PV Vishnu’s performances deserve more recognition. His ability to deliver quality crosses, make unpredictable runs, and contribute to the scoreline sets him apart from the underperforming Mahesh Singh. With more playing time and encouragement from the coaching staff, Vishnu could become a key figure for East Bengal this season.
For Oscar Bruzon, the decision to continue playing Vishnu on the left wing could prove to be a masterstroke, especially as Mahesh struggles to find his form. In a season where every point counts, Vishnu’s dynamic contributions could be the difference-maker that East Bengal needs to climb up the ISL table.