ISLW

Bio

The determined Nallappan Mohanraj best exemplifies the dictum that failure is only a stepping stone to success. The left-back from the Sports Authority of India in Chennai, who styles himself on Ashley Cole, failed in the state under-16 and under-19 selection trials and also couldn't get into the Tata Football Academy at Jamshedpur. But a window of opportunity unexpectedly opened for him at then second division Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd in Bengaluru. His sweet left-foot was the centre of attraction as Mohun Bagan came calling in 2007-08 and he helped the Mariners to a few titles. The Rajnikanth fan possesses an appetite for hard work, a decent long throw-in, and his stint with Pune FC in 2012-13 season highlighted his tackling abilities and attacking instincts. He has made the progression in India colours from the under-19 and under-23 squads to the senior team. The defender was called upon five times by Atletico de Kolkata in their title-winning season in 2014. He stayed with them next year as well and even scored a goal before returning to native Chennai in 2016. He did not get much playing time, but for the 2016-17 season, he will be back at ATK and will hope to get some precious game time under his belt.