Dooley’s XI full of possibilities as Bangladesh brace for Malaysia test
Thomas Dooley’s first Bangladesh XI was difficult enough to predict. His second could be harder still.
The German-American coach has only one match to draw on since taking charge -- the historic 2-1 win over San Marino in June -- and now goes into today’s FIFA ASEAN Cup opener against Malaysia without two key starters from that game, centre-back Topu Barman and attacking midfielder Sheikh Morsalin.
Topu scored both goals in San Marino, while Morsalin supplied the cross for the first.
He does have new options. The ever-reliable Rakib Hossain returns, while Japanese-origin forward Shuki Itofusa and England-based Farhaan Ali Wahid could make their Bangladesh debuts. In defence, centre-back Zidane Yousuf has also entered the picture after impressing Dooley at the recent SAFF U-20 Championship.
The biggest question may be up front. Bangladesh lack a recognised No. 9, while both Dooley and his predecessor Javier Cabrera have experimented with a false nine, using Morsalin, Rakib Hossain and even Jamal Bhuiyan in the role. With Dooley yet to establish a clear tactical blueprint, predicting his attack is particularly difficult.
The defence looks relatively settled. Zayyan Ahmed and Saad Uddin are most likely to fill the full-back positions, while Tariq Kazi’s centre-back partner could be either Shakil Ahad Tapu, Manjurur Rahman Manik or, of course Zidane.
But will Dooley hand a debutant a starting spot? A cameo appearance is most likely.
In midfield, Hamza Choudhury is to remain the lynchpin, combining his ball-winning, distribution and orchestration duties. Sohel Rana Sr or Mohammad Ridoy could partner him in a more reserved role, either anchoring in front of the centre-backs or dropping between them to provide cover and release the full-backs in transition.
The attacking equation is less settled. Without a proven marksman or established false nine, Bangladesh may have to rely heavily on their wide players and their ability to create combinations between wingers and overlapping full-backs.
Against a Malaysia side ranked 45 places above them, Dooley could therefore favour a more cautious approach to begin with. In this case, a variation involving Tariq, Tapu and Zidane could form the central back three, with Hamza, Sohel, Jamal Bhuyan and Shamit Shome across midfield and Rakib leading the line.
That would also leave the new attacking options in reserve, ready to change the game from the bench.
If Dooley instead opts for a more adventurous approach, or needs more attacking thrust later in the match, Bangladesh could look to overload the left. He would have appropriate options in left-sided attackers Fahemedul Islam, Farhaan and Itofusa. All three offer pace and skill on the ball, and Dooley could deploy them in multiple combinations.
There is uncertainty in goal too. Mitul Marma started against San Marino but was unable to prevent Nicolas Giacopetti’s equaliser at his near post, and his place is not assured. If Dooley makes a change, Mehedi Hasan Srabon is the likelier alternative to Sujon Hossain.
It is still early in his tenure, making a starting XI about as predictable as the weather in coastal Bangladesh. But for a coach facing his first serious tactical test, the puzzle is an interesting one to solve.
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