In football, you cannot concede if you have the ball at your feet. You may or may not score with it, but the opponent definitely can’t if you control the ball.

This golden rule in football has pushed coaches to devise strategies to help gain maximum control of the ball. Modern-day football is largely about possession irrespective of whether it’s used as an offensive or defensive tool.

The Indian Super League (ISL) has been no different with teams who have managed to dominate the ball finding greater success in recent years.

Sergio Lobera who is one of the most successful coaches in the league’s history is a coach who has popularised the possession-based style of football in the league having found success with FC Goa, Mumbai City FC and Odisha FC.

Mumbai City FC who have been the most successful team in the last 3-4 years have made that philosophy a part of their fabric as a club. Same is the case with FC Goa who like the Islanders have a distinct style of playing irrespective of the head coach.

Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters FC too look to control the ball and a few other teams have also started to integrate that philosophy into their teams.

However, there have been instances in the ISL that have shown that keeping possession of the ball isn;t the only path to success despite its growing popularity. Jamshedpur FC under Khalid Jamil is a classic example of how a team can thrive without the ball at their feet.

With an average possession of just 41.87% in the ISL this season, the Men of Steel have the lowest tally among all teams, 16% lesser than Bengaluru FC who have the highest average possession in the league this season.

Jamshedpur FC find themselves level on points with the Blues having played a game fewer and having recently beaten Gerard Zaragoza’s team. If Khalid Jamil’s side can win their game in hand, they will jump to second spot and just five points behind league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

Jamil’s team likes to maintain their defensive shape, soak in the pressure and hit opponents with intense and swift breaks. They rely on their physicality to outdo opponents and have energy in abundance which also allows them to squeeze the opponents up the pitch. The Men of Steel are very adept and quickly transitioning into their defensive shape if their press is beaten.

Jamil’s men aren’t on top in any of the key statistical parameters in the ISL this season but they are very good at executing their coach’s gameplan perfectly. The Indian head coach has achieved this by fielding a consistent playing XI with few changes.

A back four comprising Nikhil Barla, Pratik Chaudhari, Stephen Eze and Muhammed Uvais have almost been ever present lending the stability to the team. Albino Gomes has been excellent all campaign and has produced more saves than any other goalkeeper in the ISL this campaign.

The midfield has a perfect balance with creativity of Javi Hernandez and the industry of Sourav Das and Rei Tachikawa. Imran Khan and Mohammed Sanan have been consistent performers on the flanks. Lazar Cirkovic has also added steel to the midfield at times as the centre-back has been used in an advanced role by Jamil.

Up front Jordan Murray has led the line impeccably well scoring five goals in the process. Javi Siverio has also contributed from the bench.

Jamshedpur FC have made the lowest number of successful passes in the ISL but it hasn’t affected them much. Jamil’s men rely on their shape to suffocate opponents and then hurt them with their tenacity and directness. The Indian head coach has been successful in drilling the essentials of every role on the pitch to the players which has led to this winning formula.

Jamshedpur FC take on Hyderabad FC on Thursday, a team which also believes in keeping possession of the ball, but it’s the Men of Steel who will go in as favourites and have enjoyed greater success in the league by bucking that trend.

Jamshedpur FC may not have the most popular style of play but they are effective with their unique style of play which resonates the qualities of the city like fighting spirit, unity and passion.

Jamshedpur FC still have work to do to qualify for the playoffs for just the second time in their history but Jamil’s men have been going about their business in a way no other team can and that probably is their X-factor.

It’s important to play to your strengths and Jamshedpur FC are doing exactly that and doing it very well.

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