Mohammed Yasir’s performances were one of the few bright spots for Hyderabad FC in Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2019-20 in what was an otherwise underwhelming season for the Telangana-based club. The 22-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Hyderabad but had been on the fringes of the Hero ISL prior to the 2019-20 season.

“It is always difficult as a young player. You are very hungry to prove yourself and get some game time but sometimes it is difficult and situations don’t suit you. As a young player, you have to be patient and wait for your chance and keep working hard each day in training, improving every day and fighting and not giving up,” Yasir said on his early stint with FC Pune City in an interview with khelnow.com.

Yasir eventually made his senior bow with FC Goa when he played for them in the 2018 Hero Super Cup. “I was 19 years old and it was a great experience being part of a fantastic squad at FC Goa with quality players. Although I didn’t play much, it helped me learn a lot and improve as a player. I mostly played for their reserve team but made my debut in the Super Cup for the senior team. Overall, it was a great experience as a young player to be part of that wonderful group of players,” he said.

He returned to FC Pune City the following season, but injuries disrupted his campaign. When he did make it on to the pitch, though, Yasir produced a memorable performance. “Unfortunately, I was injured at the start of the 2018-19 season. I was almost out for 3-4 months and missed majority of the season. But I got back fitter and I got my chance to make my full Hero ISL debut in the last game of the season against Mumbai City FC where I won the Emerging Player of the Match award and that season ended on a memorable note for me,” Yasir recalled.

However, it wasn’t until Hero ISL 2019-20 that he established himself as a regular in Hyderabad’s starting line-up. The Indian defender even found the back of the net once during his 15 appearances for the Telangana-based club last campaign and was comfortable both in defence and attack.

On his preferred role on the pitch, Yasir said, “I don’t mind playing in any role or position that the coach wants me to play at. Over the years, I have played as a full-back, winger, attacking midfielder and as a central midfielder as well. I prefer to play in a position from where I can help contribute to the attack.”

While looking ahead to the seventh edition of Hero ISL, Yasir made it clear that he can’t wait to work under Hyderabad’s new coach. “Albert Roca is a fantastic coach who needs no introduction. He has been part of some of the biggest setups in the world and has also gained a lot of success in India. I believe he is the right man to lead the charge at Hyderabad FC. He knows his football well and I’m excited to work with him and help the team.”

Having signed a long-term deal with Hyderabad, the 22-year-old also spoke of his ambition with the club as well as the Indian national team. “As I have signed a contract for the next three years with Hyderabad FC, I want to contribute as much as I can to help the team reach the top of Indian football. Further, I want to fulfil my childhood dream of playing for the national team,” Yasir said.