Dabang Mumbai’s Affan Yousuf
Table-Toppers Dabang Mumbai, bidding for a first Hockey India League title, face Delhi Waveriders in the second semi-finals of Season-5 today. Mumbai skipper Florian Fuchs has attributed the consistent performances of the Indian youngsters, being the sole reason for the side’s ascent. Dabang Mumbai’s Affan Yousuf is one such player, who has been a standout performer. With eight goals this season (fourth highest in the league), the 22-year-old forward has had a telling effect on Mumbai’s strike force. Yousuf heaped praise on his skipper and teammate Kieran Govers for the help and guidance on the field.
“Florian and Kieran are like my brothers. Whatever mistakes I make, they sit down and rectify them with me. Every time after training or at the airport, Fuchs, Govers and I discuss about our positioning and how can we receive the ball better,” the Bhopal-born told mid-day yesterday.
Another prominent member from Mumbai’s attacking unit Nikkin Thimmaiah, also credited the foreigners in the team for his good run. “The foreigners and I share a good bond. I talk to Fuchs because he’s a forward. He helps me better my tactics. We make fun of each other and in that way our relationship builds up,” said Thimmaiah.
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