Gustavo dos Santos asserts ISL 2 more competitive than inaugural season

Dos Santos seems to have carried forward his form from last season (Image courtesy ISL)

While many expected a certain Alessandro del Piero to top the scoring charts for Delhi Dynamos in the inaugural season of the Indian Super League, it was a young and comparatively unknown striker who emerged as most penetrative.

While 5 goals stand testament to his finishing prowess, Gustavo Dos Santos’ effect cant be described by just that. He dazzled onlookers at the Jawahar Lal Stadium here in the capital with his nimble footwork and astonishing runs down the left flank. Everytime he would have the ball, it would seem the Dynamos had a chance of improving their otherwise dismal scoring record.

As we now know, his efforts couldn't take the Lions through to the last four; however as many had expected the wily playmaker was lauded for his efforts and thus retained for the second edition.

Six matches in to this season and he has been in sparkling form again- together with Florent Malouda, Chicao and Hans Mulder, Dos Santos has made the Dynamos midfield enviable. The team looks settled and the Brazilian seems at ease again.

SportsKeeda caught up with him ahead of their game against North East United tomorrow and he talked at length about the team’s performances and how he hopes to win the ISL title this year.

Excerpts:

Hello Gustavo, you are in to your second season with the Dynamos, how would you gauge your performances this year?

I would say we are doing a lot better this year. Our team’s a lot better and under Roberto Carlos everyone seems to be performing really well. We want to maintain the momentum though; with 4 home games coming up, I think we can do it.

You have been played at varied positions by the gaffer, are you comfortable doing that?

Yes, totally. I am happy to play anywhere on the pitch.

Playing upfront comes naturally though. In fact in our last game vs Kolkata, I scored my first goal this season and that makes me feel really good. I am sure over the next few games, I will manage to score more- thats what my coach wants me to do.

And with the change in set up, what are the changes that you see being brought about this year?

Last season was pretty good. We couldn't win a lot but our performances weren’t sub-par. This year though, with the new signings, we are doing really win. Also overall the league has become more competitive.

How has it been pairing with new striking partners upfront?

It feels good to play with really talented players like Gadze and Robin. Also Francis is here again, he was of a lot of help last season and he continues to be a pillar this year too.

Finally, as you mentioned, you have four home games coming up; any specific targets that you have set for yourself from these?

Not really, we need to keep improving. If we can do that, the wins will follow. The eventual aim for me is to lift the trophy this year, and we as a unit will do anything to achieve that.