Panaji: FC Goa have persisted with their policy of signing known foreign players with East Bengal’s Spanish midfielder Borja Herrera now expected to replace Victor Rodriguez for the remainder of the season.
Victor picked up an injury while playing a significant role in the club’s 4-1 win against Mohun Bagan Super Giant and was later ruled out of the season.Since then, Goa have been on the hunt for his replacement and have now narrowed down on Borja as the top choice.
The Spanish attacking midfielder started for East Bengal in the Super Cup final against Odisha FC on Sunday and, according to sources, will complete the formalities for a move to Goa on loan in the next 48 hours.
“The club wanted a player who is familiar with the Indian Super League (ISL) and wouldn’t take time to adjust since the time is too short,” a source told TOI. “Borja has played here for two seasons and knows the conditions. Besides, he has worked with coach Manolo (Marquez) as well.”
Borja was signed by Manolo during his time at Hyderabad FC last season and made 22 ISL appearances, scoring four goals and providing five assists.
When Manolo moved to Goa at the start of the season, Borja was among the shortlisted players for the attacking midfielder’s position before the club decided to sign Victor from Odisha.
Victor turned out to be an influential signing, helping the team break open tight defences. Initially he wasn’t part of the starting 11 but Manolo made no secret of his admiration for the attacking midfielder who scored three goals and had three assists this season.
“For me, he is one of the top players in the ISL, maybe one of our best players, if not the best,” Manolo had told TOI during the pre-match media interaction. “He was in good form, and we are on top. He is very clever, understands the game very well. Not too many players understand what he has to do in every situation like Victor.”
Borja has played under Manolo at two different clubs. Besides Hyderabad, the two worked together at Las Palmas in Spain with the coach handing the midfielder his LaLiga debut in 2017.
Goa are the only unbeaten team in the ISL this season and sit second on the table with 24 points from their first 10 matches. Kerala Blasters (26 points) are on top but have played two additional matches.
Goa will resume their campaign away against Hyderabad on Feb 1, before taking on Odisha at Kalinga on Feb 9. The team returns to Goa for their first home game in the second phase on Feb 14, in a high-profile clash against Mohun Bagan, now coached by Antonio Habas.
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Victor picked up an injury while playing a significant role in the club’s 4-1 win against Mohun Bagan Super Giant and was later ruled out of the season.Since then, Goa have been on the hunt for his replacement and have now narrowed down on Borja as the top choice.
The Spanish attacking midfielder started for East Bengal in the Super Cup final against Odisha FC on Sunday and, according to sources, will complete the formalities for a move to Goa on loan in the next 48 hours.
“The club wanted a player who is familiar with the Indian Super League (ISL) and wouldn’t take time to adjust since the time is too short,” a source told TOI. “Borja has played here for two seasons and knows the conditions. Besides, he has worked with coach Manolo (Marquez) as well.”
Borja was signed by Manolo during his time at Hyderabad FC last season and made 22 ISL appearances, scoring four goals and providing five assists.
When Manolo moved to Goa at the start of the season, Borja was among the shortlisted players for the attacking midfielder’s position before the club decided to sign Victor from Odisha.
Victor turned out to be an influential signing, helping the team break open tight defences. Initially he wasn’t part of the starting 11 but Manolo made no secret of his admiration for the attacking midfielder who scored three goals and had three assists this season.
“For me, he is one of the top players in the ISL, maybe one of our best players, if not the best,” Manolo had told TOI during the pre-match media interaction. “He was in good form, and we are on top. He is very clever, understands the game very well. Not too many players understand what he has to do in every situation like Victor.”
Borja has played under Manolo at two different clubs. Besides Hyderabad, the two worked together at Las Palmas in Spain with the coach handing the midfielder his LaLiga debut in 2017.
Goa are the only unbeaten team in the ISL this season and sit second on the table with 24 points from their first 10 matches. Kerala Blasters (26 points) are on top but have played two additional matches.
Goa will resume their campaign away against Hyderabad on Feb 1, before taking on Odisha at Kalinga on Feb 9. The team returns to Goa for their first home game in the second phase on Feb 14, in a high-profile clash against Mohun Bagan, now coached by Antonio Habas.
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