Sunil Chhetri, the JCT striker, stands tall in the list of football stars of India.

He confesses that he is more of a team man and proves it when he speaks more of his young talented teammate Anwar Ali instead of himself.

He is th silent type, who is out there to perform and let his game do the talking.

After finishing last season as the highest scorer with 12 goals, the 22-year-old has been a little quiet this season. “It’s the need of my team to play a little withdrawn and I will do anything to benefit the team.”

This season, he seems to be combining well with their Brazilian import, Eduardo Escobar. “He has great talent and players like him can be an asset to any team,” points out Chhetri.

“We are lucky to have the experience of players like Abdul Latif Seriki and Marcos Pereira.”

There are times when he has had to face the flak for poor finishing.

“I’ll be the last person to miss a chance, but I know that I’ve been criticised for it and I’m working on that front,” replies Chhetri.

“I get chances and I am fortunate in that regard. So the next time I get a chance, I will definitely score,” he adds.

The Nehru Cup that India won saw the diminutive striker at his best in front of his home crowd in Delhi.

There has been a sea of change after that triumph with people in Delhi starting to recognise him.

... contd.