ISLW

Bio

Football runs in Rakesh Masih’s genes. His uncle played for Punjab Police and also got an offer from East Bengal which he spurned. The tall and strapping player who schooled at the Mahalpur Academy at home and the Tata Football Academy is a competent central midfielder, primarily in the defensive mould, and is equally adept at playing as central defender. He is strong in the air and his reading of the game is sound. Masih was at the peak of his prowess during his stint at Mohun Bagan when he won the best young player award in 2009 and established himself as an integral part of the Mariners’ set up. Having already worn national colours at the under-20 and under-23 levels, Masih, who considers Mahesh Gawli as his ideal player, made the grade to the senior string under Bob Houghton in 2008.