Australian versatile defender Jacob Tratt has returned to his native land as he joins A-League outfit Adelaide United after only spending a year at Indian Super League side Odisha FC. Both the club and the player announced their departure ahead of the upcoming season.
The lanky defender had a tough season with Odisha FC last season as they finished last in the standings after the Juggernauts managed to register only two wins throughout the season. Tratt failed to adjust to the Indian environment and culture so he left to join Adelaide United where he may find his feet once again. The 26-year-old was not up to the mark as Odisha conceded a total of 44 goals.
After their horrible campaign, Odisha FC are looking to make changes to their team structure and therefore they have signed some experienced foreign players. The Australian defender failed to find his feet right from the start. He has featured for teams like Wellington Phoenix, Sydney FC, Perth Glory and several other A-League clubs and have also won the league title in the 2018-19 season with Sydney FC.
Therefore the Odisha FC management had high hopes from the lanky Australian. But Tratt failed to develop an understanding with Steven Taylor who was his defensive partner and that led to a major downfall for the Juggernauts as they finished last in the standings.
Predominantly known for his work ethic as a right back who can slot in as centre back, Tratt featured as a centre back for Odisha FC. He clocked 1530 minutes last season over 17 Indian Super League appearances. he registered 39 tackles, 43 interceptions, 54 clearances and 33 blocks over the course of the season. He was extremely reckless as he received as many as seven yellow cards.
After last season’s debacle, Odisha FC have signed Spanish head coach Kiko Ramirez and have roped in several talented Indian players and have backed it up with the signings of the Spanish duo of Victor Mongil and Javi Hernandez. Both the Spaniards have prior ISL experience when they won the title with ATK in the 2019-20 season.
Lastly coming to Adelaide United, the A-League outfit finished fifth last season in the league standings and have been in the transfer market to sign a new defender. So signing Tratt would have solved their defensive woes as they look to challenge the top teams for the league title.
