Three players who can benefit from Jay Gupta's arrival at East Bengal

East Bengal have landed Jay Gupta from FC Goa.

East Bengal have strengthened their defensive shape for the 2025-26 season with the signing of proactive full-back Jay Gupta. The Red & Gold Brigade paid a relatively handsome transfer fee to sign the 23-year-old from FC Goa and were able to finally find a much-needed upgrade for their left-back position.

In the form of Gupta, East Bengal are now getting an experienced and combative figure who can add more zing to their defensive set-up. Moreover, the acquisition of Gupta is also likely to have a positive impact on quite a few members of the East Bengal squad.

Because the left-back is a multi-talented player capable of fulfilling multiple responsibilities on the pitch, his presence should have a positive impact on a few individuals. Here, we look at the three East Bengal players who can benefit from Jay Gupta’s arrival.

Also Read: East Bengal signs Japanese striker Hiroshi Ibusuki from A-League

3. Hamid Ahadad

Even though Jay Gupta is renowned for his defensive qualities, he is able to help in progressing the ball forward and helping out in the attacking front as well. The 23-year-old is able to use his energy to make darting runsback and forth the left flank, something that can ultimately aid the players inside the opposition box.

Hamid Ahad is someone who can probably look to create an understanding with Gupta, knowing how the Indian full-back is likely to be a provider for him. In the 2023-24 Indian Super League (ISL) season, Gupta was able to create 31 chances in 25 games for FC Goa and prove his quality as a marauding full-back.

If he’s given enough license to make the overlapping runs, he is capable of darting into the final third and making things happen. Gupta will need to work on his crossing ability, but he has the quality to send in inviting crosses – something that can ultimately aid Ahadad because of how good the Moroccan forward is in terms of winning the aerial duels.

Also Read: Three East Bengal players who can benefit from Hamid Ahadad signing

2. Anwar Ali

Anwar Ali will be eager to build himself as a even more commanding figure in the East Bengal backline and help them carve out more clean sheets. However, Ali was often forced to cover for his left-back in the 2024-25 season because of the questionable positioning of Lalchungnunga on a number of games.

That can probably be solved now that a more natural left-back is in the team in the form of Jay Gupta. During his time at FC Goa, the 23-year-old was able to prove his defensive qualities – even when having to face off against foreign attackers.

In the 2023-24 ISL campaign, Gupta was able to win 131 duels and make 147 possession recoveries in 25 appearances. His impressive sense of positioning and ability to make vital challenges make sure that Gupta can keep things clear on his wing.

If he’s able to do that, then that will free up some of Ali’s responsibilities and allow Anwar to focus more on the defensive responsibilities inside the box or when it comes to marking the opposition striker out of the match.

1. Bipin Singh

Bipin Singh is poised to be East Bengal’s primary left-winger for their matches in the 2025-26 season, which means he’ll need to work on creating a bond with Gupta on that flank. Even though the two have never played at the international level together in the past, they should now have plenty of training sessions to work on their chemistry.

Gupta will need to form that coordination with the ex-Mumbai City winger in terms of their movement and when exactly he overlaps past Bipin in the attacking transitions. Gupta will need to be agile and smart with his forward passes to help his teammate move forward into the key empty areas and try to open up opportunities for himself.

Once the two are able to form a solid understanding of each other’s movement and playing style, Bipin can get more freedom to make the forward runs through the left flank and get past defenders with ease. Gupta has to be accurate with his forward passes and link-up play to help his teammate succeed and for them to dominate things on the left-wing.

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