In the aftermath of his side’s 3-1 win over FC Pune City in the Indian Super League, Delhi Dynamos manager Roberto Carlos labelled his Brazilian compatriot Neymar as the best in the World.
After three successive 1-1 draws at home, the Dynamos finally found their goal scoring boots as they hammered 3 goals past a hapless FC Pune defence at the Jawaharlal Stadium in New Delhi. After coming under criticism from several quarters for his side’s lack of goals in the tournament, Roberto Carlos started with 2 strikers upfront (Adil Nabi and Robin Singh) for the first time this season on home soil.
After dominating much of the first half, Delhi scored their opening goal in the 35th minute after Adil Nabi – one of the shortest men on the field – bundled in a Florent Malouda corner from 2 yards out. Five minutes later, centre-back Anas Edathodika doubled Delhi’s lead after launching a thumping header into the back of the net after a yet another immaculate corner delivered by Malouda.
The match was sealed late in the second half as Pune City’s Govin Singh fouled Delhi left-back Ralte inside the box to concede a penalty. Norwegian International John Arne Riise stepped up and emphatically dispatched his kick into the bottom left hand corner to give Delhi a commanding 3-0 lead.
Pune scored a consolation goal deep into added time after marquee signing Adrian Mutu curled in a wonderful kick past Antonio Doblas. The win sent Delhi Dynamos into second place in the ISL table behind FC Goa only on goal difference.
Anas Deserves Indian call up; Neymar Best Player in the World: Carlos
Speaking to the media after his side’s crucial win over FC Pune City, a jovial Roberto Carlos hailed the error-free performances of the entire Delhi backline throughout the course of the season. However, the former Brazilian International had some special words of praise for his centre-back Anas Edathodika.
“Anas is doing very well. He deserves to play in the national [Indian] squad,” said Carlos. “But this is just my opinion. Don’t know what Constantine (Indian national team head coach) thinks”.
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“Adinga [Ralte] is improving a lot. Souvik is playing well. It is amazing how quickly these players are learning”.
Much happy I’m.Thank you all for your love and prayers. It means a lot to me.#MuchLove @delhidynamos @IndSuperLeague pic.twitter.com/uxpcE1UQZF
a Anas Edathodika (@anasedathodika) November 19, 2015
Speaking about the match in general, Carlos said, “Today’s team was the most offensive that I have played so far this season. It doesnt matter how offensive or defensive we are as long as we win. It was important victory for us. I am happy.”
Asked about his take on the El Clasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona on Saturday, Carlos said, “I have played at Real Madrid for 12 seasons. So definitely I want them to win. It will be a tough match”
Carlos further went on to reveal that Neymar is the currently the best player in the world in his opinion. “Neymar is a friend of mine. In my opinion, he is currently the best player in the world.”