Not entirely happy with form, Yasir feels he can do more for FC Goa

Panaji: Mohammad Yasir’s defence-splitting pass with the outside of his left foot left Hyderabad FC bewildered and provided ample proof why FC Goa believed they had cover for the departing Brandon Fernandes.

The winger’s talent has never been in doubt. That terrific assist for Udanta Singh to score the opening goal against Hyderabad FC showcased his rich talent, but there have been periods during games when he goes missing.

Yasir himself realises he can do a lot more than the two assists he has in his kitty at the moment. Asked if he was happy with how he has fared this season, the winger was honest with his assessment: “Not much, I can do more,” he said during the pre-match media interaction.

FC Goa coach Manolo Marquez knows Yasir better than anyone else. Having managed him at Hyderabad for three years and now at Goa since last season, the two have formed a close bond, off the field.

“For me, he’s the best left footer in the country,” said Manolo, before adding, “but there are more things in football. He's not enjoying (on the field), and if he doesn't enjoy, he's not Yasir.”

The 26-year-old was in fine form towards the fag end of the Indian Super League (ISL) last season. He was, as Manolo noted, the player everyone appreciates, but an injury during pre-season pegged him back.

“I feel that the injury this season killed him, because he was in a very good moment. He was one of the best players in the second leg last season. Not when he arrived (during the January transfer window). He took time, almost one month, but then he started to play at a very good level. He was in my first national team list, but in that moment, he suffered a big injury, bigger than people think. I know him perfectly. He wanted to come back earlier, but his recovery was very slow,” explained Manolo.

Yasir is now hitting his stride, eager to make up for the lost games this season. His target is to finish among the top when the season ends.

“Injuries are part of the game, so I got injured before the ISL and my performance was a bit down. Now it's okay, I'm back. I'm helping the team, doing my best. I have to score more goals for Goa and have more assists. I want to be a top assist (provider) for all of the league and goals also,” said Yasir.