ISL: Sahal Abdul Samad - the Kerala Blasters’ rising star
In the past few seasons, Sahal Abdul Samad has often been compared to Sunil Chhetri who at 37 is still the only shining star in Indian football. When asked "who after Chhetri," he was also by far and away their most frequent answer-shared by not just former captain Bhaichung Bhutia but many others as well
Image credit: PA Images Sahal Abdul Samad in action for India in 2019Sahal Abdul Samad is having a season to remember in the 2021-22 Indian Super League. He scored a goal against Jamshedpur FC in the first leg of the semi-final on March 11, 2022, making him the joint second-highest Indian goal scorer in the current season with six goals behind Liston Colaco who has scored eight goals so far.
Kerala Blasters’ win in the first leg still doesn't guarantee their entry into the finals, but they have a one-goal advantage and will be playing in the second leg of the semi-final against Jamshedpur FC on March 15, 2022.
Sahal Abdul Samad is undoubtedly a dynamo of talent with the potential to become one of the leading Indian footballers once he plays to his potential. His management has claimed that he has been playing brilliantly and performing far beyond the expectations that the team management had for him.
Before this season, Sahal Abdul Samad did not get to play his preferred position in a central midfield role and his performances were inconsistent. However, this year under Ivan Vukomanović guidance, Sahal Abdul Samad has started unleashing his true potential. Vukomanović’s decision to have him play on the right side of the midfield has worked out well for him. The attacking prowess of Kerala Blasters has been vastly improved with the seamless coordination and fluidity between their attacking quadruple of Sahal Abdul Samad, Alvaro Vasquez, Roberto Pereyra and Adrian Luna.
In the past Seasons, Sahal Abdul Samad had a great start but struggled with bad form as the season progressed. However, this season has played out differently for Sahal. He scored a goal in the very first match of the 2021-22 season against ATK Mohun Bagan FC and he did not fade away as the season progressed this time. In the match against Mumbai FC, he dribbled past the defences showing extremely good ball control and dribbling skills and shot the ball into the net leading to a Kerala Blasters’ victory and proving his potential.
Sahal Abdul Samad has completed 28 dribbles and won 24 tackles with a success rate of 75% (highest for any Indian player) as of March 15 in the ongoing Indian Super League season (2021-22).
Head coach of the Indian national team Igor Štimac said "If I say I have a few favourite players, he (Sahal) would be one of them. He's one of the players who everyone loves to watch. Finally, he's having a great season,"
Igor also appreciated Kerala Blasters’ head coach Ivan Vukomanović for doing a wonderful job for the team’s wonderful performances and bringing out the best in Sahal Abdul Samad. He also said that Sahal Abdul Sahal’s phenomenal performance this season will also be good for the Indian national team.