PANJIM: There have been plaudits regarding FC Goa’s deadly strike force comprising of Ferran Corominas, Edu Bedia, Jackichand Singh etc, but what has been left unnoticed is the resurgence of Goa’s defence line.

Whilst Sergio was busy shuffling his defensive line, one player who has cemented his spot in that rock solid defence is local lad Seriton Fernandes, who is yet to receive the appreciation of fans for his consistency throughout the season.

Seriton has featured in every game for the Gaurs in the current season playing every minute of the last 16 games and has been giving nightmares to some of the best attacking players in the league.

The 26-year-old is on joint fourth position with 74 tackles to his name.

His stats are great as he boasts 78.9 per cent pass accuracy rate with 21 interceptions and 39 clearances establishing himself in Sergio’s plans.

Seriton was completely unheralded when he first joined FC Goa.

“When I was first signed by the club, I didn’t expect I would feature in every game for the Gaurs last season. I just had one thing in my mind when I was picked by FC Goa that is just to give my best in the training and pre-season. But when I learnt I would start the game, I promised myself to give my 100 per cent in every game,” said Seriton, recollecting his first ISL season journey.

The shy and soft spoken Gaur who has stepped up his game with every passing match also has two assist to his name.

“I have been assigned the role of right back and at moment I am very pleased because coach Sergio has a strong belief in me. He trusts me with my position and role on the field and infact he likes when I join the attack from back,” expressed Seriton.

Even with the signing of Nirmal Chhetri in the team, Seriton continued to gain the trust from the coach.

The former Sporting Clube de Goa player is currently on the 31st spot with a ratings of 7.1 and is the fifth Gaur behind Edu Bedia, Ahmed Jahouh, Naveen Kumar, Mourtada Fall and Ferran Corominas who is on pole position with a rating of 8.52.

Now after sealing the knock out berth, Seriton has set his sights on winning the league title.

“We must forget what happened last season. That’s past. Today is a new challenge and this year we are giving our best to win the ISL title. We will try to give our fans what they deserve. But we will take each game at a time,” added Seriton.

With the attendance dropping at Fatorda stadium in last few games, Seriton said, “We need the fans back at the stadium to cheer us. They were brilliant throughout the season and we would need them back during our crucial stage,” added the defender.

Seriton played a vital role in guiding Sergio and Gaurs in the semi-finals last season and falling short by a two steps, it was evident the Spaniard wouldn’t leave any chance this season as he bolstered the squad adding attacking teeth as well as signing quality defenders.

Mourtada Fall and Carlos Pena are two foreign recruits who have been at the heart of the Goa’s defence and ever since Sergio discovered this combo, the defence have been more intact.