In today’s version of IN CONVERSATION, we have someone who is relatively new to the club. However, it did not take him much time to become the No. 1 of the squad. His athleticism and technique puts him high above most keepers the club has had. Having spent 4 seasons with the club, he has gained the faith of the fans and a match without him puts the encounter in doubt. Apart from the MDFA, he is pretty famous in the local football circuit and is recruited for his shot stopping skills. He has maintained 7 clean sheets of the 9 games played this season and sits atop the most Clean Sheets List of the MFL Elite Division season 2019-20, which is a remarkable milestone. The stint includes some splendid saves from penalty kicks as well. Let us proceed and know more about the clubs very own ‘Mr Safe Hands’, Abhishek Singh.

Tell us about your football journey before joining Mumbai Strikers SC?

I began playing football when I was 12 years old. It was because of my favorite player Thierry Henry that I started watching football and Arsenal became my favorite club. Before playing for Mumbai Strikers SC, I played for Air India U-19, DK Pharma & ICL Youngstars. I signed up with Air India and played in the Super Division. However, I had to take a break from football to complete my graduation, after which I went on to play for DK Pharma in Division 1. I played there for 2 years and then joined ICL Youngstars for whom I played another two seasons. After these stints, I joined Mumbai Strikers SC in 2016 when they were competing in the Super Division of the MDFA.

How did you end up becoming a goalkeeper? Did you prefer another position or was it your dream to be one?

I was not always a goalkeeper. I played as a defender at the start and sometimes featured as a part time keeper. While being a keeper, I delivered consistent performances and the coach offered me to be the custodian permanently. Apart from being a goalkeeper, I would love to play as a defender, preferably a right full back. It is a position where you have a lot of space to run and supplysome crosses and long balls. I love doing that.

The last season ended abruptly due to the virus outbreak. You had a stupendous run and maintained a lot of clean sheets till the season ended. What was the secret behind the marvelous performance?

Last season from the 9 games we played, we managed to keep 7 clean sheets. I believe that is a feat in itself. I would insist and like to say it was a total team performance. We managed to keep clean sheets in all the games that we scored, so the credit also goes to the strikers as they kept scoring goals regularly. It helped the defenseto play with a bit more freedom and dictate play from the back. We have a new center back partnership this season and their performance has been astonishing in the games played so far. About me, I have always tried to do what has been asked by the coach and kept my calm.

We all know it is the most responsible position of the field where you dwell. How have the training sessions over the years at MS helped you to cope up on the field?

Talking about the goalkeeper training, apart from Air India I never had a goalkeeper coach until I joined Mumbai Strikers SC. A good goalkeeper has his basics right. The positioning, technique of collecting the ball is also vital. Also judgment of when you attack the ball & when you stay on the line is very important. While in training, I am always focused on getting these basics right and it gives a huge boost to my mind-set while going into a game.

Very few people love to be a Goalkeeper in this nation. Why do you think that's the case? And do you think it should change?

To be a goalkeeper one needs to have a strong character. Goalkeepers are rarely given credit when a team wins. It is generally the one who scores the goal. This is one reason I believe people avoid being in this position. An individual should ideally start training as a goalkeeper at junior levels like U-10, U-12 etc. They should be coached under an experienced and probably a licensed goalkeeper coach. It is a position which requires different skills and responsibility compared to other players on the field.

Like many others in the squad, you also have been juggling between football and your professional life. How do you manage to keep up with both?

I think it is all about prioritizing your aims. It is also important to manage your time with regards to football and work. It is essential to give importance accordingly as they come. You are always able to make time for the thing you love and football is that thing to me. Once you have mastered the art, it just gets easier and just flows.

I am sure you also have a favorite club and a player. But you also probably have a favorite goalkeeper. Tell us about all of them and why you love them?

As mentioned earlier, Thierry Henry is my favorite one and I love Arsenal. However, I am a goalkeeper and I try to imitate Manuel Neuer. He is my idol& he is a great shot stopper. I love the fact that he comes off the line and he is a very able player with his feet. I have tried that as well a few times in my matches as well. Watching him play gives me the motivation and confidence when I step on the field.