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As the Delhi Dynamos went down fighting in the inaugural match, one couldn’t help but notice that the team coached by Roberto Carlos started without their top scorer from last season- Gustavo Dos Santos. The youngster, who scored 5 goals in 15 games under Harn van Veldhoven was benched while fellow Brazilian Venicius started on the left flank. While he did come in after half time, he was played on the right wing, a position he seldom gets to play in, at his parent club -Atletico Paranese.
In an interaction with the media though, Dos Santos played down the ‘non-selection’ and emphasized he is content playing at any designated position, “Roberto choose to play me on the right and I’m happy with that. Last year I will try and give my best and excel from wherever I am being put-in.”
Asked how he feels about returning to the league, he added, “I think the teams have more quality and it is harder this time around. I think everyday the teams are developing and that makes the league more competitive and interesting to watch.
I am just delighted to be part of it again.”
While the team missed Santos’ goal scoring expertise upfront, another notable absentee from the fixture was young Indian defender, Anas Edathodika. Bought for 41 lakhs in the much hyped auction in August, the Pune FC starlet was expected to start alongside Liverpool and AS Roma legend John Arne Riise. That however didn’t happen and Chicao was played.
If reports are to be believed though, he will play against Chennaiyin in the game tomorrow. Talking ahead of the same, he exuded confidence, “I am hopeful of putting up a solid show. The team has been gelling well and sooner than later the results shall flow.”
Asserting that not playing in the opener was a tactical decision, Anas added, “The most important thing is that I am getting to play with stalwarts like Carlos, Riise and Malouda. The experience shall keep in great stead.”
The confidence aside, here’s hoping coach Carlos is convinced of their abilities and Santos & Edathodika do get to play a part when Delhi steps on field tomorrow.
