I-League 2018-19: “A goal in Derby is always special,” says Jobby Justin after beating Mohun Bagan

There is no stopping of Jobby Justin. Once again in Derby, Justin stole the limelight by scoring against Mohun Bagan. He also provided the assist to Jaime Santos during the first goal.

Playing with one striker, East Bengal were heavily dependent on Justin. He had the responsibility to score the goal. Justin marked the occasion beautifully with a superb display throughout the match.

A Clinical Justin

During the 35th minute, he received a fine pass from Kassim Aidara on the right side. All it took was a single touch from Justin to turn Eze Kingsley on the wrong side. He passed the ball to Santos, who duly scored. In the second half, he made a perfect contact from Lalrindika's delivery from the corner to put the ball into the back of the net.

How does it feel to be the hero in the biggest match of Indian football? With the trademark smile on his face, Justin quipped after the match, “From the beginning of the season, I had only one aim – to score goals in every match. I came in the match with the same motivation. Derby is always a special match for any player. So, scoring in this match feels great. But I need to work hard for the remaining season to help the team win the title.”

Concentrating on the league right now: Justin

As India’s Asian Cup is ended prematurely, the question crops up again – how long it will take for Justin to wear the national colours? The Keralite, who scored his eighth goal of the campaign in this match, said, “Every football player’s dream is to play for the national team. Though I am in a good form right now, I am not concentrating on the national team. I am only concentrating on the league. Right now, my main target is to score more goals and help the team.”

Putting a new hairstyle before the Derby, Justin has changed himself completely under the guidance of coach Alejandro Menendez. The Spanish coach in his very first day identified the youngster as a talented player. On a day when Justin delivered in the most important fixture, Menendez was effusive in praising his ward.

“He is making rapid progress in every match. He brings so much into this team. He plays inside the box, outside the box and also helps the team in the middle. He is reading the match very well. I think he has become a more complete player now. He is following the strategy very well,” Menendez said.

Opponent coach Khalid Jamil, under whom Justin played last year, also optimistic about the striker’s future. “Really good to see he made so much progress. It will help his team as well as the national team,” said Jamil.