Arunava about Football A look at football & the world through my eyes!
Related Articles
The Delhi Dynamos Spanish goalkeeper Toni Doblas spoke about the so far season, his team, and being a role model for the youngsters in the team.
You are one of the leaders of the team. And you, Anas, and Souvik are there from last season as well. Do you think this has helped you in performing better since you have played together for two seasons now?
This season is a bit different. The team started really well in Chennai. The next game, we didn’t perform as per our expectations, but then we went on a good run of wins. Now there is a possibility that if we win one game more, we go into the semifinals. I remember last season we made it to the semifinals with two games to spare. If we win tomorrow, it will be same as last season.
There are a lot of new players this season. How do you help the new players adjust to the team?
The new players that came in this season do not know the club, the people, the hotel… we are a family here. I do not know about other teams, but here it is important to build friendships. It’s more than just football here. We develop friendships that we take with us even after the season. We make sure everyone has adjusted well.
What are your thoughts on the season so far? This team has scored the most number of goals in the league. What has been different this season?
Yes. We play more offensively this season. Last season I remember I got the Golden Glove around 7 times. This season it’s more difficult, since we attack so much. But this season is different, with different players. This is a real attacking team. We have many scorers too in Marcelinho, Richard, Kean, and Milan.
How important is communication between the goalkeeper and the defenders?
Communication is an important quality to have. It’s not enough for a goalkeeper to have just good physical qualities. A goalkeeper has to be vocal and has to be a leader. He can see and analyse the game, and help the defenders in covering the angles where the opposition might put the ball. I speak with Ruben in Spanish since we are both from Spain, with Anas in English, and I speak with Memo in Portuguese. It is easier for them to understand me as well.
The young players look up to you, and you help them during training and we have heard that you are a positive energy in the dressing room…
I remember when I was young. I started in the first team when I was 18 years old. I was playing with many senior players. I had my idols in the team. And now, I am older, and I have matured. But I am young at heart though. My teammates know that when it comes to training and the match I am serious, but after that I like to joke around and have fun.
