Asia

Indian Super League: With a mix of grace and trickery, Sahal Abdul Samad has come of age

December 27, 2021
Henry Club

The run from midfield was not in a straight line. But then again, this is how the smartest players run their off-the-ball.

Sahala Abdul Samad | Jamshedpur FC was not the center of attention in the eyes of the defence, but he was giving his marker on the left-flank for all kinds of problems. As Alvaro Vazquez collects the ball for Kerala Blasters in the center circle and starts moving towards goal-ward, Sahal begins his run on the right bank. He cut sharply – then went deeper towards the wing, moving more central. Then at the edge of the pitch. Vazquez had two center backs and cover from midfield, but Sahal’s directionless run off-the-ball was throwing his marker.

Finally, just as Vazquez was about to pull the trigger from far away, Sahal again cut inside and sprinted straight into the box, where he met unopposed from a rebound shot and scored his fourth goal of the Indian Super League campaign. This drew the Blasters, but made Sahal only the second Indian – and who – Sunil Chhetri to score in three consecutive ISL matches.

Slowly, you can expect comparisons to the Indian great to re-emerge. And once they’ve done that, this time, at least the logic has a little more essence.

chhetri comparison

For the past few seasons, Sahal was being compared to Chhetri – who at the age of 37 is still the only shining star in the Indian unit. He was the most frequent answer to the question ‘who after Chhetri’ – an opinion also shared by former captain Bhaichung Bhutia.

And you can tell why.

He is comfortable with the ball at his feet, dribbles with a mix of grace and trickery, craft passes and passes balls from the most unexpected positions. And then there’s the pace and flair that immediately drew comparisons to Chhetri.

And the veteran also stressed that the youth is an exciting prospect to watch.

“If I have to pick a midfielder who I expect to do really well, that’s Sahl. If that guy understands what kind of ability he has, maintains his body and puts his head on his shoulders.” So he’s an extremely talented talent. He’s someone that really excites me,” Chhetri said at a press conference in 2019.

The noise and excitement around the 24-year-old from Kerala had waned over the past few seasons since his breakout campaign in the 2018-19 season. Now hopefully he is finally old and starting to show the potential that Chhetri talked about.

Blasters and the Rise of the Sahl

Kerala team started the season after losing 4-2 to ATK Mohun Bagan. In that match, Sahal scored a brilliant goal – his second ISL goal so far. And then he slipped into a shell and the Blasters put on a series of lackluster – though unbeaten – performances.

This changed when they met Mumbai City on 19 December. Sahal opened the scoring with a forceful strike from close range in the 3-0 romp. He scored again in the next game against Chennaiyin FC, cutting inward from the right flank. And then there was the final against Jamshedpur FC on Sunday.

After a slow start, the Blasters have suddenly moved to the third position in the ISL table. And it’s no surprise that the team’s turmoil coincides with that of their wonderkind.

Analyst Paul Masefield told the ISL website, “(Sahal) is scoring better runs, whether he is coming in from a wide area or hitting a little bit more if the ball is on the other side.” “His runs in every round have contributed to him raising his level this season. Now he needs to mix the whole lot together to get the perfect final product. And, then, he’s the one we all know.”

dream of football in india

Born and raised in Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates, Sahal spent most of his childhood playing seven-a-side football in Oman. He later decided to shift to India to pursue a college degree and a career in football. He excelled at the varsity level, playing throughout the sevens format (probably how he developed those close ball skills). His performance earned him a mention in Kerala’s Santosh Trophy squad in 2016-17, and attracted the attention of Blasters’ scouts – notably, his first foray with ISL professional football.

He was honored with the League and AIFF’s Emerging Player Award in 2018-19, but as Chhetri grew older, bigger things were expected from the youngster.

He has never crossed the threshold that the forward legend has raised so many times. But his recent form has shown that he has started climbing.

The pair also shared a symbolic moment during the SAFF Cup final against Nepal in October. Chhetri was to be dismissed and Sahal was brought in in the 86th minute.

Five minutes later, he latched onto a ball on the left, left through a net of three defenders, closing fourth. And then deftly hit home on the goalkeeper while running for his first goal in India colours.

He is still young and has not reached his peak yet, but the way Sahal has said, he is starting to shine.

,