Denson Devadas has become an important fixture in a FC Goa side which has conceded just one goal in their opening two matches of the 2015 Hero Indian Super League, making them the joint-meanest defence in the league along with FC Pune City and Kerala Blasters FC. The Kerala-born midfielder, known for his hard tackling and dogged defending, has featured in both the games and impressed one and all. The 32-year-old has turned out to be a smart buy for the Gaurs after spending Season 1 with Chennaiyin FC. The robust midfielder seems to have settled in with his new side seamlessly.In an exclusive interview to indiansuperleague.com on Saturday, Devadas spoke of fitting into the Goan team. “First of all I’d like to thank god that he gave me the chance to play under legendary coach Zico. He’s very humble and a very friendly guy that didn’t make it difficult [for him to settle in],” he said.“It was a homely atmosphere here first of all, with great players like Lucio, Leo Moura, Gregory [Arnolin] and Joffre [around]. They were very friendly…so it was easy to gel with them and it helped me a lot to be a part of this family, so I’m very happy to be here.”Devadas has brought control to the FC Goa midfield and is always up for a physical duel at the centre of the park. Comfortable on the ball with an 87% passing accuracy so far, Devadas has already justified his selection. However, it’s his 19 tackles from midfield that bears testimony to the fact that he can cope with physical challenge.When asked whether he relished a physical contest, he said: “Well, first of all I’m actually a defensive midfielder, so in that case I have to be physical because in the corners you know that compared to Indian players they [foreign players] will be a little bit stronger so I have to prepare physically and mentally and in that case I have to be stronger than them. And even defensive midfielders have to do that dirty job that breaks the rhythm of the opponent team.”Devadas can expect to be in the thick of things when he faces his former side on Sunday. The 32-year-old will have a big say in the eventual outcome of the match against a traditionally forward-minded Chennaiyin FC side who are chasing their first points of the season.
