Having spent big on foreign players this season, the BOB National League have never been more competitive. With club like Paro FC and Transport United reaping the benefits of their wise investment in the transfer market, it raises certain questions when it comes to the recruitment of Thimphu City FC. City have recruited three foreigners this season. English striker Jason Hart and the Brazilian duo of Alberto Martins and Quiroz. With one third of the season gone, these are some assessment of the Brazilian forward Alberto Monster Martin.
When City announced the signing of Alberto, City fans were filled with much excitement. The name of the country he came from, Brazil, lifted his profile and along with it the expectations. He was brought in to bolster the the already talented side. He came at a time when the city squad was in need of a top forward, more than any other position. Like with many foreign players, it is quite difficult to judge a foreign players based on their history. We never know what to expect from the foreigners as there’s inadequate data to make any sort of concrete conclusion. However, no club intends to invest on an average foreign lad. By the virtue of being a Brazilian, he came with a ‘samba boy’ tag. Goals, flair, speed and performance were some of many things expected from him. However his maiden campaign was disrupted by injuries and the fans never got the opportunity to see his true abilities. Nobody likes injuries. Injuries are however inevitable. Such an unfortunate happening for both the club and the player.
This year the Brazilian is having a below average season. He failed to score in any of the matches he featured this season. He is misfiring and so far failed to live up to the ‘samba boy’ status. Having failed to make any significant strides to elevate the level of the club, he might soon lose the starting spot to homegrown talents. The likes of Tsenda Dorji and Kesang Penjor are putting in decent performances this season. It is easy to get distracted or provide excuses for the lack of goals. He needs to cut his showboating and concentrate more on his game. Beto should quickly gather himself and start working hard before fans start losing faith in him. Forms can easily be improved. After all form is temporary, class is permanent.
Phurpa Tshering
The article is contributed by the writer . Views expressed does not necessarily represent the position of Thimphu City Football Club.
