The addition of centre-back Bakary Kone to Kerala Blasters FC ahead of the 2020-21 Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) will come as a big boost to their defence. The 32-year-old will bring an abundance of experience to the Kochi-based club’s backline, which hasn’t always been up to scratch in past seasons. However, a solid backline is a must for any club that wants to challenge for titles, and Kone is well aware of that.

"Defence is very important for a club that wants to win titles. We cannot say we won't concede goals, but we will have one of the strongest defences in the league,” the Times of India quoted him as saying.

The Burkina Faso international, who is the third most capped player for his country with 81 appearances, has plied his trade in France, Spain, Turkey and Russia. During his time in Europe’s best leagues, Kone came up against some of football’s most-feared attackers like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Edinson Cavani, Angel Di Maria, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe – to name but a few.

His immense experience of rubbing shoulders with some of the best attacking talents in the world is certain to stand him in good stead in the Hero ISL. A physical presence who can be effective in both boxes, Kone is looking forward to Hero ISL 2020-21 and wants to help the team achieve their targets.

"My best traits are strength, athleticism, and headers. I have joined an interesting project and my aim is to play as much as possible and make the team successful,” he said.

Kone won’t have to wait much longer to get involved in the action with Hero ISL 2020-21 now less than two weeks away. Kerala Blasters FC will go up against ATK Mohun Bagan FC at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim on November 20 in what will be this season’s curtain-raiser.