Playing a high line has redefined the art of goalkeeping: Vishal

“We (goalkeepers) are no longer considered the last line of defence. We are not only expected to guard the posts but also to build attacks from the back as the team emphasises on outscoring our opponents,” said Vishal, who has kept three clean sheets in his five appearances thus far.

The former Shillong Lajong man seems to be one of the beneficiaries of the new regulations of the country’s premier football tournament, Indian Super League. “I was the third-choice keeper behind Apoula Edima Edel Bete and Arindam Bhattacharya for FCPC last time around (2016). I worked a lot with my goalkeeping coach during that period and implemented those techniques in my off season. With ISL expanding to ten teams and increasing the number of Indian starters, players like myself have got ample opportunities to deliver at the highest level,” he expressed his gratitude towards the move. 

When queried about the possibility of catching up Subrata Paul who is on top of the pile for the ‘Golden glove’ in the ISL 2017-18, the ‘Orange Army’ player said, “I will do what it takes to stay on top of my game. Having sat on the sidelines for the entirety of the previous season, I am enjoying my place in the starting lineup now. I am solely working on playing smart and communicating well with my mates on the pitch.”

The 21-year-old also revealed his adulation for seasoned campaigners Subrata Paul and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. “I try to emulate them both on and off the field. They remain focussed and fierce throughout the course of the game. They would never be in a mood to let the ball past them,” said the instinctive goalkeeper who appears to be drawing inspiration from the senior pros. 

The Indian Under-23 International has set his sights on being a part of the Sunil Chhetri-led outfit in the future. “My long-term objective is to make the cut for the senior National team in the upcoming years. Upgrading my standards from time to time will help me achieve it,” he sounded optimistic. 

“Petr Cech is the best (goalkeeper) in the world right now,” he rates the former Chelsea ace ahead of other contenders like Spaniard David de Gea and Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer. 

The Himachal Pradesh-born lad was grateful to the assistance extended by his parents. “They have been extremely supportive in helping me work towards my dream. I talk to them after every game and share my thoughts on my performance. They just inject some positivity in me by repeating you will perform well next time even during the toughest of days,” concluded Vishal.