This article is a part of IFTWC’s Indian Player of the Season (IPS) series, where we talk about the best Indian player from each club.
We have witnessed innumerable talented Indian defenders stealing shows over the years in I-league and ISL as well. Almost every big name in Indian football right now, has played for an I-league club in their initial years of career. Mohammed Irshad has capitalised on each and every opportunity he got during his time in Gokulam Kerala FC last season and that’s what makes him a player who cannot be compared with many in Gokulam’s last year roster. Irshad is the player that came up through the ranks for his hometown club, Gokulam Kerala FC.
Irshad started his career with Viva Kerala youth time, until that club decided to shut down their operations. Later, Irshad decided to join a sports academy in his home town which is the Tirur Sports Academy and then he moved to the youth team of DSK Shivajians who used to participate in the I-League second division regular back then. Irshad came into limelight when he represented Maharashtra in the National Games Of India 2015. He manged to add 6 goals to his name in that tournament was also the top goal scorer in that tournament.
After his heroic performance in that tournament, Irshad finally made his much awaited debut in I-league for DSK Shivajians against Shillong lajong. After struggling for playing time in DSK Shivajians, he decided to move to Services football side for new and exciting ventures. Even after giving his heroic performance for the team, he wasn’t able to prevent the loss against Meghalaya.
Irshad signed for Gokulam Kerala FC ahead of I-league 2017-18 season, where in the first match he started as a center back which was obviously not very easy for any of the fans to digest but maybe the results were on it’s way. In the 2019-20 season Irshad played almost all games for Gokulam Kerala and he was a standout performer for sure.
Irshad’s ability to track back, his speed and his physicality helps him to deal with opponents with ease. Irshad was in radar in of many clubs, but he decided to sign for East Bengal after the season came to an end. India has been looking for a consistent defender for quite a while now. A player like Irshad can be the one taking up that responsibility and show everyone what he’s capable of whike playing at the highest level.