FC Pune City have been touted as the best attacking force in Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 in the opening stages of the season. With four goals in as many games, Emiliano Alfaro is the joint top-scorer in the league at the moment and will be a threat to Jamshedpur FC on Sunday. The Uruguayan spoke to indiansuperleague.com ahead of Pune’s away match against Jamshedpur. Here are the excerpts.

Could you tell us when you started playing football, and when did you decide to do it professionally?

I started playing football when I was born, virtually, because in my country, the first gift that a baby boy receives is a ball. I really did not have much of an option. In school, and everywhere else, everyone played football. I started playing with the ball when I was very young. I decided to be professional, I think when I signed my first contract at the age of 15. From that moment, I decided to make football my job.

What would be one moment in your footballing career that you cherish till date?

There are many moments, but if I have to choose one, it would be my first time with the national team. Playing with some fantastic and top players of the world, it was really fantastic for me.

Which is your favourite international club, and player, and why?

If I have to choose now, I would choose FC Barcelona, and if I have to choose one player, it would me (Lionel) Messi. But of course, there are many players. I love my country, Uruguay, and Luis Suarez is playing No. 9 for Barcelona – of course I love him. I used to play with him as well for the U-20 side, and we played the World Cup together, so I know him and really appreciate that he is doing really well.

According to you, which player in the Pune squad can make it big in the future, and why?

There are many young players that I think can have a great future. If I have to choose one, it is difficult, because when we are playing and training, you can see that there are many players who can do well in the future. So, I choose all of them.

You are at the top of the goal-scoring list with four goals in as many games this season. Is that something you are looking at this season?

I am not looking for just that. Of course, as a striker, it is important to create chances and score goals. But, the most important thing is that the team plays well, and you play and work hard for the team. The other things come after that. If you focus only on scoring goals, you will find it difficult for the other things to happen. So, for me, it is key to help the team first. After that, if the goals come, it is better; if not, at least you have given your best.

Jamshedpur is the best defensive team in the league right now, so what is your game plan against them tomorrow?

If you saw the last few games from them, they have played very hard, and are really strong. Of course, at home, they will also have the fans, and it will be a difficult game. Here in the Hero ISL, all teams are at a similar level, so if you think you are better than any team, you have a problem. So, they have a good team, but we are coming to win the game too, and I hope that we can do that tomorrow.