From auto-driver to ISL star– the story of Anas Edathodika

“The thing about football – the important thing about football – is that it is not just about football,” wrote English author Sir Terry Pratchett in his book 'Unseen Academicals'.

Malappuram was the 'original capital of football' in India.

Almost eight years back, former Indian goalkeeper, Feroz Sherif, attended an inter-collegiate game at Malappuram. Among all the talented youngsters, a lanky midfielder caught his attention. After the match ended, Sherif, the then national U-17 goalkeeping coach, walked up to him and asked him to attend the trials of I-League 2nd division club Mumbai FC– an advice which turned around his world.

Anas' love for the game developed at a young age when he started out with the Malappuram U-14 team. But life is never rosy for young aspiring footballers in a state like Kerala, especially if you are the son of a car driver. Despite all the love and fervor that football generates in Kerala, the state has no representation in the I-League or the 2nd division. Football cannot be your profession unless you make it at a club elsewhere.

“I used to get something like Rs. 180 every day driving autos. It came in very handy,” Anas revealed to The Hindu, back in 2010.

Despite his struggle, Anas managed to find time for football. He continued his training and eventually joined the football team of NSS College Manjeri, which led to his discovery by Feroz Sherif.

He impressed Dave Booth, Mumbai FC's manager at the trials and was offered a one-year contract. Back then, Anas was a gangly, talented midfielder. But Booth, a former English left-back, was quick to recognize his true calling and changed him into a solid and reliable center back.

“I owe it to Booth for changing my career. Before joining Mumbai, I was a midfielder. Booth convinced me that I would make a good defender and gave me confidence. I improved tremendously under him,” Anas told Goal.com in an exclusive.

“Life has changed in a big way, the money is very good…something like Rs. 20 lakhs for a season,” Anas said back then.

Anas would represent Kerala in the Santosh Trophy, and after consistent performances for Mumbai FC over four seasons, rivals Pune FC offered him a two-year contract. He made his debut for the new club in a friendly against the EPL club Blackburn Rovers.

Pune quickly extended his contract to two more years and the accolades did not end with the new lucrative contract. Anas also became the first Indian to win Pune's Player of the Year award and was subsequently named as the club's captain for the 2013-14 season.

“I had never worn the captain's arm band ever. This was a first in my playing career at any level as far as my memory stretches and I am thankful to one and all for this opportunity. Initially, coach said he was taking a risk by fielding me in the playing eleven, but when he announced that I was leading the side I got the confidence I needed. I thank coach for helping me believe," an emotional Anas said after leading his side to victory in his first match as the captain.

The defender faced severe injury problems at the start of the 2014-15 I-league season. He suffered a knee injury and was sidelined for a long time. Even after recovering, he struggled to regain form and was eventually dropped for a couple of matches. In the end, Anas featured in only 10 I-League games as Pune struggled to a fifth-place finish.

“The knee injury flared up during the pre-season training match between Pune FC and FC Pune City. Last season I played most of the I-League matches after taking painkillers. It went from bad to worse and I was forced to take a break,” Anas told Goal.com.

Eyebrows were raised when Delhi Dynamos bought the center back for a whopping Rs 40 lakhs. Considering his form and questionable fitness, it was not a sane bet.

With big price tags also come big expectations. ISL seemed to have arrived at the wrong moment for Anas when his I-League club Pune FC, shut down its first team operations at around the same time.

The next game against Chennaiyin FC saw Anas in the starting line-up and he repaid his manager's faith with an outstanding performance. Delhi kept a clean sheet, won the match 1-0, and Anas has started in every game since.

It was the start of a wonderful partnership between John Arne Riise and Anas Edathodika at the heart of the Delhi rearguard. One a former Champions League winner, and the other an almost unheard-of name who had struggled through life– these are the kind of tales that football spins. The duo are statistically the best defensive pairing in the league, and Dynamos has conceded the least goals in the league so far– nine in 10 matches. It is on these strong defensive performances that Delhi has established itself as a prime contender for this season's title.

When it comes to Indian center backs, Anas' positioning sense is second to none. He has a good burst of pace, along with his well-built frame, which allows him to handle every kind of striker. Most importantly though, he has excellent communication skills and is a natural leader of the pack– something even Carlos has praised. Under the guidance of Riise and Carlos, Anas has unlocked his full potential.

Surprisingly, Anas is yet to make an appearance for India. But considering his ISL performances, he might not have to wait long. His future after ISL, with Pune dissolving their senior team, remains uncertain. But if he guides Delhi to the title, there will be a long queue for his signature.