Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: The Indian Super League gets entertaining and enticing with every passing game. As we crossed the midway mark, FC Goa are currently sitting top of the table with 24 points from 12 matches enjoying just two-point advantage over second place and defending champions Bengaluru FC who are on 22 points and are closely followed by ATK, who are sitting in third place with 21 points having played equal games.
Albeit the Gaurs are at the top, the journey wouldn’t be easy till the end considering the competition in the league. However, with the talent at Coach Sergio Lobera’s disposal, it wouldn’t be as difficult as one might think.
Ever since the Lobera took over the reigns, the Gaurs are considered as one of the most attacking side in the league and this season too, they have scored (25) the most number of goals compared to the other clubs enjoying a joint high (11) goal difference with ATK.
At the moment, every position in the side has the best talent in the league. With the quality of players in the side, every player knows a chance to another player could cost them their place in the side.
Last season, Mohammed Nawaz entered the game and his heroics earned him his place and till date the young custodian has managed to cement his position. Then came Savior Gama, who came in as a change in the ISL final, and since his eye-catching performance he is considered a strong left-back in the team.
But now with the departure of their development team product Liston Colaco who found himself down the order after Corominas, Singh and Hugo’s performance which forced him to join Hyderabad FC in search of playing time, questions were raised on the future of another development side player Princeton Rebello, the lad who made waves in 2018 following his impressive show in the U-18 SAFF Championships, however, despite being at his best, he has failed to get minutes under Lobera.
Princeton has managed to get just 22 minutes in his five match. However, the talented star had 25 passes, 32 ball touch and three tackles having a cross and a shot at goal.
Though Princeton hasn’t got the time he deserves, coach Sergio Lobera seems to have better plans for the youngster as he stressed, “Princeton is a very good player and is a professional. Princeton is not just the future of the club but he is also the present”.
“He is improving and learning everyday with the first team. He is working hard in every training session,” said Lobera confirming that he is very much part of his plans and would want him in the team.
Speaking technically, Sergio cited, “He is an excellent player, having excelling skills. Technically he is good and tactically he his intelligent and reads the game well. I am happy with players like Princeton.”
Speaking to Princeton Rebello, the humble lad said, “I know I haven’t got the time but that wouldn’t stop me from giving my best. I will continue to give my best and train hard and be available for the coach whenever he needs me. I trust and have a strong faith in God.”
With just six games to go, only time will tell whether Princeton will manage to get his first start in the ISL for the club wherein he will have to fight for his place against some of the bests —Edu Bedia, Lenny Rodrgiues, Jahouh and Hugo with all of them being the fan favourites too.
