ISL 2019-20: Hyderabad FC 1-1 Mumbai City FC- 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis

#2 Adil Khan marvels in the role of a center-back

Adil Khan on the shadows of Serge Kevyn

Having started his career as a full-back who can deputize as a defensive midfielder, Adil Khan played as a central defender very occasionally. Wherever he has plied his trade, be it Mohun Bagan, Delhi Dynamos, or FC Pune City, the 31-year-old always played as a midfielder with little to no utility.

However, Igor Stimac started him as a centre-back for India's national team. Since then, he has been a regular in that position for the Blue Tigers and against Mumbai City FC, he finally got his place in the back-four.

He made a staggering 19 clearances in the contest, way ahead of his peers Sahil Panwar (9), Matthew Kilgallon (10), and Asish Rai (5). Unlike his partner Matthew Kilgallon, who was rugged and even lazy to some extent, Adil Khan was alert and made some goal-saving blocks and interceptions.

The prime example of his defensive astuteness came in the 77th minute of the contest, when Serge Kevyn was in a brilliant position to steer home a cross from the right flank, but the defender stuck out his leg to deny him the opportunity.

Adil Khan passed his test as a centre-back with flying colours and this is something Mumbai City FC should have resorted to earlier.