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What's the story?
Kerala Blasters keeper Paul Rachubka, who has been instrumental in the Blasters' unbeaten run this season, has been awarded the fans' player of the month for November, owing to his goalkeeping heroics for the Yellows in the ongoing season of the ISL.
In case you didn't know
After representing Bury Football Club for one whole domestic season in 2016, Rachubka signed up for the Indian Super League and was snapped up by the Kerala Blasters, pairing him up with his former Manchester United team-mate Wes Brown.
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Heart of the Matter
The goalkeeper, who has a dual citizenship with England and The United States of America represented England in the youth years and has buckets of experience under his belt having played for Manchester United, Huddersfield Town and Burnley in addition to many other clubs while on loan during his career.
Debuting for the Blasters against ATK in this season of the Indian Super League, Rachubka did well to bring all his experience into play as he kept out some firm shots from the duo of Njazi Kuqi and Zequinha.
Against newbies Jamshedpur FC, at the back of constant encouragement from the home crowd, the ex-Blackpool custodian brought all his skills into play as he kept out a header from Kervens Belfort to end with two continuous clean sheets.
In the next game against Mumbai City FC, Rachubka did not allow the visitors to get their tally ticking until a late goal from Balwant Singh thudded into his net which has been his only hiccup all season.
From three encounters, the Englishman made nine spectacular saves that saw him win the Fans' Player of the Month award with 52.4% votes on the official Indian Super League page.
What's next?
The Blasters will travel to Chennai for their first away game this season after which they will return to their fortress for an important clash against Bengaluru FC which will surely put Rachubka's skills to a stern test.
Author's take
The Englishman has looked good so far and has shown no signs of fatigue or lack of fitness. While his diving save against Jamshedpur FC stunned the opposition, his form will be vital for the Blasters to move up the points table henceforth.
