Dimitri Petratos, the X-factor of Mohun Bagan Super Giant

On By Vaseline

Mohun Bagan Super Giant ranks as one of the notable success stories of the season. The Mariners are on the verge of becoming only the second Indian Super League (ISL) team to achieve the ISL double.

A win in the cup final against Mumbai City FC will not only see them complete the double but also complete a domestic treble season, having also secured the Durand Cup earlier in the campaign.

Despite the mid-season turmoil that saw them suffer three consecutive league defeats and an unexpected group stage exit from the AFC Cup, the Mariners found their footing with the reappointment of Antonio Lopez Habas as head coach. Habas’ side showed maturity and resilience and made a strong rise towards the end of the season, culminating in winning the League Shield on the final day.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant won the league by one point on the final matchday after beating second-placed Mumbai City FC 2-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium. Now, again on Saturday, they would be keen to repeat the same performance against the Islanders, this time for the ISL Cup.

Beyond the numbers: Petratos’ versatility and impact on the field

Whether it is Ferrando’s Mohun Bagan SG or Habas’ Mohun Bagan SG, a big factor in their success over the past two seasons has been the consistent form of their Australian striker, Dimitrios Petratos. He brought that”X–factor” to the side, which they are missing in their first two seasons in the ISL. He has proven time and time again that he has the vision, decision-making and ability to make a difference in any circumstances.

Petratos is now outright the highest goalscorer for the Mariners in the ISL with 22 goals. Last season he was top scorer with twelve goals, together with Diego Mauricio and Cleiton Silva. This season he has reached double-digit goalscoring numbers with 10 goals from 22 appearances. When it comes to assists, he has seven assists so far this season, which is similar to this stat from last season. This season he is averaging 0.77 goals or assists per game, almost comparable to last season’s ratio of 0.83.

However, he is not just a goalscorer or an assist giver; There is much more to his game that has made him the Mariners’ favorite player and of course the fan favorite over the past two seasons. Since his debut in the ISL, no player has created more goalscoring chances (120) than him.

Statistics Petratos in 2022-2023 Petratos in 2023-2024
Games played 23 2
Minutes played 2091 1806
Goals 12 10
Assists 7 7
Minutes/Goal 174.25 180.6
Chances created (incl. assists) 61 59
Total shots (incl. blocks) 74 82
Shots on target 28 29
Shot conversion rate (incl. blocks) 16.22 12.2
Great chances scored 6 7
Touches in the opponent’s field 63 68
Dribbles tried 12 20
Dribbles completed 9 10
Won possession in Final 3rd 16 19
Duels 71 101
Duels won 28 35

The 31-year-old is a constant threat to the opposition’s defense. He gets into the penalty area, shoots from distance, creates chances from deep and knows how to convert opportunities. His ability to operate in the opposition half is second to none, and it is his work rate, in addition to all his qualities on and off the ball, that makes him a valuable asset to Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

Last season, during the play-offs, he scored three goals in four matches, two of which came in the final match against Bengaluru FC. Shortly before this season, he once again took responsibility in the most crucial period of the season. Petratos has scored or assisted just once in the last nine games for the Mariners, including two assists in the last league match against Mumbai City FC.

Now, when the Mariners take the field for the mega final against Mumbai City FC on Saturday, all eyes will be on Petratos, whose prowess on the field could be the deciding factor in achieving the historic feat for the Mariners.