Richard Celis: East Bengal’s New Venezuelan spearhead

28-year-old Venezuela international Richard Enrique Celis Sanchez has joined East Bengal FC for the remainder of the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season. A versatile attacker, Celis can function as both a left-winger and center-forward. His arrival will improve East Bengal’s offensive capabilities, especially with Madih Talal’s absence due to an ACL injury.

Player Attributes:

Strengths:
Celis is known for his high pressing, a crucial attribute in modern football systems. His ability to disrupt opponents’ build-up play and force turnovers can significantly benefit East Bengal in tight matches.

Weaknesses:
His discipline and ball control are areas for improvement, as indicated by multiple yellow cards and occasional lapses in retaining possession under pressure.

Technical Skills:
His strengths include his defensive contributions such as tackling and aerial duels. and interception Including attack measures such as carry progression. And the successful take-on. His percentile rankings in these areas reflect his ability to influence the game defensively and offensively.

Performance Analysis:

Attacking:

• Goalscoring: Celis scored 4 goals in the 2024 season, with a scoring frequency of one goal every 415 minutes and a conversion rate of 9%. He tends to score from inside the box (3 out of 29 shots), with limited success from outside the box (1 out of 16). Despite his strengths in attacking positioning, he missed 7 big chances in 2024, highlighting room for improvement in finishing.
• Shooting: He averages 1.8 shots per game, with 0.7 on target, underlining his willingness to shoot but with moderate accuracy.
• Set Pieces: Celis attempted 3 free kicks in 2024 but did not convert any.

Passing and Creativity:

• Celis provides 2 assists per season and creates an average of 8 big chances. His key passes per game (1.8) and passing accuracy (73%) demonstrate his ability to contribute to build-up play. He excels in accurate short passes in his own half (86%) but has lower accuracy in opposition areas (63%) and crosses (30%).
• His ability to link play is evidenced by 38.2 touches per game, contributing to maintaining possession and supporting teammates in attacking transitions.

Defensive Contributions:

• Celis’s defensive work is significant for a forward. He averages 1.4 tackles, 0.2 interceptions, and 3.6 recoveries per game. His high pressing ability aligns with his work rate and tactical discipline.
• Aerially, Celis wins 1.2 duels per game (47%) and engages effectively in ground duels (3.7 wins per game, 46%).

Other Metrics:

• Dribbling: His success rate in dribbles (43%) and 0.7 successful dribbles per game indicate room for growth in ball control and take-on efficiency.
• Discipline: Celis received 5 yellow cards and 1 red card in 2024, an area where he must improve to avoid disciplinary setbacks.
• Durability: Playing 1659 minutes in 25 games (an average of 66 minutes per game) highlights his reliability and fitness.

Club and International Experience:

Celis boasts a wealth of experience, having played for top-tier clubs in Venezuela such as Atletico Venezuela CF, Deportivo JBL, Caracas FC, and Academia Puerto Cabello. His career also includes stints in Colombia with Millonarios FC and in Slovakia with FK Senica. Internationally, Celis has represented the Venezuelan national team in prestigious tournaments like the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and Copa America. His presence in top teams like Brazil indicates his ability to compete at a high level.

One of the highlights of Celis’ career was helping the Caracas club win the Venezuelan championship. Primera Division in 2019 and played a key role in Milonerios. FC that won the Copa Colombia in 2024. In 2024 he won the Venezuela Primera – made 25 appearances in the division and scored 4 goals and 2 assists. He also participated in the Copa competition Libertadores 3 matches with 1 assist.

Notable Career Achievements (2021):

• Goals per 90: 0.83 (1st in Venezuelan Primera División)
• Goals not from penalties per 90: 0.57 (4th)
• Plus/minus per 90: 0.94 (9th)
• Points per game: 2.07 (7th)

East Bengal’s challenges in the ISL 2024-25 season, marked by inconsistent attacking play and defensive mistakes, could be significantly improved with the addition of Richard Celis. Celis brings a much-needed spark to the squad. His experience and tenacity on the field could help shore up both their attacking and defensive strategies. With Celis on board, East Bengal has a real chance to turn things around and make a strong push for the rest of the season.