Zodingliana Tochhawng or “Adinga” as commonly referred to by many, has seen himself become a household name in the country’s capital this season. From plying his trade with NorthEast United last season, the 20-year old moved to the Delhi Dynamos this year and was one of the finds of Indian football.
The Mizoram born winger started his career with Shillong Lajong after the North Eastern club selected him from an U-14 football festival held in Goa.
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Adinga started his career as a left winger, but it was his move to the left back position for Delhi Dynamos that saw him rise to prominence. The youngster under the guidance of Roberto Carlos has gone on to become a more mature footballer and was one of the mainstays for the capital-based side.
Sportskeeda spoke to the full-back on the year gone by and how his career has progressed.
Q: Your rival club in the I-League, Wahingdoh had to withdraw from the I-League. Your thoughts?
Adinga: I don't know the exact reason why they withdrew, don't have any words about that, but I hope they will come back. Football is based on healthy rivalries.
Q: You have managed to make the left back position your own this season for the Dynamos. How has the learning process been under the guidance of Roberto Carlos, a legend in that position?
Adinga: Yes he has guided me very well, encouraged me a lot and helped in improving my confidence in my abilities which in turn improves my performance. I'm very happy that I've received this opportunity.
Q: From a left winger to a more prominent left back. How has the transition been?
Adinga: At first it was difficult and uncomfortable to play there. Roberto trusted me though, and I wanted to repay that trust with a good performance. It has made me work harder and try to adapt to the position better. Over the season, I have felt an improvement and feel the same confidence as I did as a left winger.
Q: How do you assess your growth over the two seasons in the ISL. Has it been more productive than the I-League?
Adinga: The ISL has helped me massively as a professional. I have learned a lot from the foreigners as they have played at the highest possible level. At the Dynamos, we had world cup winners like Roberto, Champions League winners like John Arne Riise and Florent Malouda. The ISL helps us as younger players to develop more, as we gain that crucial experience.
