Premier Futsal League: Rating the marquee players after the Chennai leg
The Chennai leg of the Premier Futsal League came to a thrilling finish, with the two highest scoring matches of the tournament being played on 17 July. We also saw the Brazilian magician Ronaldinho enthrall the crowds with a stupendous 5-goal show, as he led Goa back into the tournament with a rousing performance.
Though Ronaldinho has now left the tournament, the Premier Futsal League is now moving into its second phase in Goa, with teams looking to cement their place in the semi-finals.
We take a look at the marquee players and how they have performed so far -
6) Paul Scholes (Bengaluru)
Manchester United's midfield maestro from the 2000s looked a touch, slow and rushed for time in this format, where the action is much faster than on a football field. It led to him being indecisive many a time, delaying when a quicker pass would have done the job. Starved of the space and time, his minutes were limited too.
5) Falcao (Chennai)
The futsal legend had a mixed bag in terms of performances. The way he started the first game, it looked like he was going to tear through the opposition, but it was Mumbai who ended up victorious despite a late goal from Falcao which came a bit late to inspire any fightback.
In the second game, he seemed to follow Ronaldinho’s lead in terms of putting on a show and started brightly once again. He looked superb and grabbed two goals before an injury cut short his game and rendered him a spectator for the second half.
4) Hernan Crespo (Kolkata)
The prolific Argentine striker was a man of partnerships. He combined very well with his teammates in setting up plays for his team. Almost like he did during his heydays, Crespo exhibited the perfect centre-forward game, holding up the ball, involving those around him, passing in front of goal and being in the box to finish off chances.
He also led his team in a calm and composed manner.