Brazilian midfielder Rafael Crivellaro’s signing comes as a breath of fresh air for Jamshedpur FC fans, as the team is going through a rough patch this season. The Men of Steel currently see themselves in tenth position in the league table of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2022-23.

The 33-year-old is one of the most exciting and influential attacking midfielders to have graced the Hero ISL. His play-making abilities and the Brazilian flair partnered with the number of assists that Crivellaro has put up in Hero ISL speaks volumes about the player’s calibre. The Brazilian notched up the second highest number of assists (8) during the 2019-20 season and bagged seven goals for himself that included some screamers as Chennaiyin FC reached the Hero ISL final. 

Also Read: Jamshedpur FC rope in Brazilian midfielder Rafael Crivellaro

Jamshedpur FC were the league winners last season as they racked up a total of 43 points in 20 matches, with an unchallenged 13 wins and only three losses, but this time around the Red Miners have suffered six defeats already and have managed to win on only one occasion. With the introduction of Rafael Crivellaro, head coach Aidy Boothroyd would be looking to turn the tide by bringing the Brazilian into the playing XI and making some tactical changes to revamp Jamshedpur FC’s season.

Here, we will look at the three things Rafael Crivellaro will bring to Jamshedpur FC:

Bringing experience to a young midfield

The midfielder has more than 200 appearances in his senior career and he boasts calmness over responsible shoulders which might be a crucial peg missing from Jamshedpur FC’s game plan. The midfield comprises of young talents like Harry Sawyer (25), Boris Singh (22), Jitendra Singh (21), Mohammad Uvais (24), and Laldinliana Renthlei (24), and the addition of Rafael Crivellaro in this midfield will help the youngsters to learn from one of the best midfielders in Hero ISL history. Crivellaro’s understanding of the game, the temperament, the composure, and the sheer calmness he oozes into the team will surely help tune in an intense yet chaotic Jamshedpur FC midfield.

Boothroyd would be looking to partner the Brazilian in a double pivot to make the most out of his playmaking abilities as he heads a three-man midfield from the front. Jamshedpur FC have had to face defeats with the slightest margins of solitary goals or 1-0 losses, a befitting example of the team’s struggles to close the match and losing the battle of midfield in crucial encounters. With the addition of the former Chennaiyin FC midfielder, the Men of Steel can change the shape of the midfield and reap positive outcomes, which will prove to be the backbone of the team.

Goal contributions and Playmaking: Expertise of Crivellaro

The Brazilian is part of an exclusive list of players that have more than 10 goal contributions in a single season. Crivellaro racked up eight assists and scored seven goals in the Hero ISL 2019-20 season. With Jamshedpur FC struggling to create enough chances and scoring below-par goals in the ongoing season, Crivellaro can be the plug from midfield who makes everything tick. The side has scored six goals this season which makes them the third lowest goalscoring side in the league. 

Also Read: What has gone wrong for Jamshedpur FC in Hero ISL 2022-23?

Rafael Crivellaro would be looking to form a partnership with the duo of Harry Sawyer and Daniel Chukwu, two crucial players in Jamshedpur FC’s attack. Banking on the penetrative vision and inch-perfect passes from Crivellaro, and coupled with the finishing of Daniel Chukwu and Harry Sawyer, the attack looks formidable for Boothroyd’s men. 

Crivellaro has a niche for goals and he’s one of the high-scoring midfielders in the league. The link-up play of Crivellaro between the defence and the attack could help his side to progress the ball in the final third, which has been a major issue for them this season. The creativity and the individuality that Crivellaro carries makes him a tough opponent to get around, and his teammates would be looking to make the most out of it. 

The winning mentality

A fan favourite and a cheerful dressing room presence, Rafael Crivellaro brings positivity to the Jamshedpur FC dressing room. A veteran of the game and playing his second stint in the Hero ISL, Crivellaro has seen and done it all when it comes to Hero ISL. A young Jamshedpur FC squad having exciting youngsters, struggling to replicate last season’s performance, is just the set-up the Brazilian needs. 

Crivellaro was a crucial part of Chennaiyin FC's title charge in 2019-20, an outstanding effort which took the Marina Machans to the Hero ISL Final. Crivellaro brings in the winning mentality that the young shoulders of the team need, to turn the draws into wins and one-nil losses into draws. With an ever-smiling face, Crivellaro looks to break the losing streak, bringing his experience and know-how in tense situations and guiding them to grind out results.

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2022-2023Jamshedpur FC Rafael Schuler Crivellaro