Three who can add to coach's firepower

KOLKATA, August 30: In less than a year, coach Bob Houghton has brought in a whiff of fresh air. The tried and tested players have perfectly gelled with the promising ones and there has been a healthy competition for places in the starting line-up.
Still, there are three players - two proven performers and one special talent - that Houghton should take a closer look at.One has a lethal left-foot which Houghton desperately needs, the other has a deceptively languid style of play since it has pressure and thrust written all over it and the third may just be the best thing to happen to Indian football after Bhaichung Bhutia.
All three are in inspiring form for their clubs this domestic season and the forthcoming Federation Cup, will give them a platform to showcase their class. TOI profiles East Bengal's Alvito D'Cunha, Shanmugam Venkatesh and PC Lalampuiya of Mohun Bagan with their performances in the demanding Kolkata League as the reference point.
Alvito D'Cunha
Bob Houghton could do well with a left-minded player who can operate on the wing and also move to the middle of the park and create havoc. East Bengal's Alvito D'Cunha should fit perfectly into Houghton's scheme of things. Probably enjoying the best form of his career, this Goan medio will definitely look towards the forthcoming Federation Cup to drive home a point.
Throughout his career, Alvito has carried the tag 'laidback', but given his rousing form in the Kolkata league, he seems to have silenced his critics. With the National team in need of a player with bite and the undying stamina at the death, Alvito can be the man for the job. His presence could also help take the pressure off playmaker Climax Lawrence.
Shanmugam Venkatesh
Coming back after a long injury lay-off, Venkatesh seems to have rediscovered his bearings with Mohun Bagan. With five goals already under his belt in Kolkata, 'Venky' has been the mastermind behind every Bagan move this season. Not taking his absence from the National set-up - after a decade of stellar service - too seriously, Venky says: "I have nothing to prove."
Yet, like all competitors, he would be secretly wishing to take this form into the Federation Cup and the National League thereafter. There has been allegations that he is too soft but it's no denying the fact the former India captain is in great form. At 30, even with age not on his side, Venky's class stays permanent.
PC Lalampuiya
"You don't know what you have got. He can be the best thing to happen after Bhaichung Bhutia". When Jose Ramirez Barreto talks about someone like that, you have to sit up and take notice. PC Lalampuiya is truly an exciting talent to watch. On a February evening earlier this year in NFL, 'Puiya' ran East Bengal ragged with his sudden burst of speed and skill.
The fans and scribes could only watch in awe. Since then there has been no looking back. In the ongoing Kolkata league he is partnering 'fan' Barreto with aplomb. Against East Bengal in the season's first derby, Puiya was at his best. The Mizo boy scored a highly opportunistic goal after beating a defender off the ball, and was a constant threat throughout.