Australian legend Tim Cahill heaped praise on Subrata Paul, appreciating the Indian custodian’s work ethic and commitment. Having played with Subrata at Jamshedpur FC during the 2018-19 Hero Indian Super League season, Cahill believes that his former teammate’s work rate has helped him stay at the top his game.

During a live chat with AIFF TV featuring Subrata, Cahill sent in a message from Down Under saying, “Off the park, one of the best things about him is his commitment and professionalism. In the game, he is second to none.”

Before they played for the same club in the Hero ISL, Subrata and Cahill faced off when India took on Australia in the opening game of the 2011 AFC Asian Cup in Doha, Qatar. Although the Socceroos won that match 4-0, it was Paul who earned international acclaim after that game, for the stunning saves that he had pulled off.

“The title ‘Spiderman’ that he got in the game against us and obviously all the games that he played in 2011 Asian Cup was because he was on the top of his game and because of his work ethic. I was lucky enough to have played with him in Jamshedpur. He was always working tirelessly, before and after training, always.”

“For all the youngsters, he is a great example. I remember the game so vividly. He was everywhere. In the end, we shared a chat and we still talk about the game when we are together,” Cahill’s message read.

Meanwhile, Subrata called Cahill a ‘down-to-earth’ person, and lauded his former teammate’s dedication to the team, “Tim’s dedication is incredible. But what makes him great is that he is such a down-to-earth guy. He’ll make you feel like you’ve been friends with him for 15 years. When he was with us at Jamshedpur FC, he used to take care of everyone from the senior boys, to the junior boys, the kitman, and all others.”

Subrata recounted his first meeting with Cahill seven years after the game, and said that the Aussie star recognized him instantly, “Seven years after that game he came to Jamshedpur to play in the Hero ISL. When he joined the camp and we met each other and shook hands, Tim said to me, ‘I remember you, mate.’ I was really lucky to have played alongside him,” said Paul.