In a chat with Delhi Dynamos custodian during the Indian Super League, Antonio Doblas was quick to point out his favourite Indian player of the tournament. It was not the national team captain or the Lions top scorer for that matter. It was a rather unorthodox answer as he pointed towards Souvik Chakraborty who had just boarded the team bus.
The 23-year old who has completed two seasons now with Delhi Dynamos has been the most “improved” player of all this season, according to the former Napoli goalkeeper. And when you see the Mohun Bagan star on the pitch, one can comprehend as to why the former Napoli goalkeeper said that.
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Souvik’s form in the second edition of the ISL was a key figure for what turned out to be a fairly successful campaign for the Roberto Carlos coached side. Despite not featuring in the semi-finals due to an injury, the Kolkata-born midfielder was outstanding at his make-shift right back position and his level of consistency was admired by all.
Sportskeeda sat down with the former Air India midfielder to discuss his ISL stint and where it would this take him as a player.
Q: Second season with the Dynamos, how do you assess your growth as a player over the two years, under two very different coaches?
Souvik: In the first year I played a midfield role. In the second year, I am playing as a right back. Two different positions under the coaching of two different coaches who differ a lot in their philosophy as well. However, I think I am lucky that I have been continuously picked by both coaches. The more game time a player gets, the more the chances for him to improve.
Q: How has the experience been playing alongside such famed players in the ISL, and how will the experience help you in the more tougher and competitive games in the AFC Champions League?
Souvik: I am lucky to get the chance to play with players who are this talented.. this helps us to be more confident in ourselves and adds dimensions which we may have missed out on. I mean Carlos has won almost everything in football as a defender and John (Arne Riise) is one of the best left-backs in his era.
I think learning from these two stalwarts will surely help me in playing better in the future. I think I have added a new defensive dimension to my game.
Q: From a midfield role to be playing as a full back. What changes did you have to bring to your game?
Souvik: The boss Carlos played me as a right back. I have never played in this position before.. Carlos has trusted me, encouraged me a lot.. this helps to do better in the new position. A World Cup, La Liga titles, you name it. When one of the best defenders in the modern era trusts you, a midfielder as a defender it is amazing.
Q: Massive difference in prize money between the two tournaments. How important is the monetary benefit involved in winning the ISL? Does this play as a motivational factor in a good sense?
Souvik: To me, money isn't the be all and end all of life. The I-league and ISL are both prestigious events and personally, I would like to win both.
Q: What was the message by Sanjoy Sen when you came for the ISL? Did he have anything in mind for you from the tournament?
Souvik: Sanjay sir told me to utilize every single chance to prove myself. ISL is a very competitive tournament. The main thing Sen sir told me was to be in the first XI for every game, since only 5 Indians tend to play in a game. This would automatically allow me to develop.
