Petr Kratky highlights this Mumbai City FC player's performance against Kerala Blasters

The West Coast Brigade are witnessing the rise of a mercurial talent.

Indian Super League (ISL) club Mumbai City FC might have found a hidden gem in this young defender following his recent standout performance in the team’s recent 4-2 victory over Kerala Blasters FC in matchweek 7. Petr Kratky was impressed by this youngster’s performance. The 20-year-old showcased tireless energy and composure on the defensive end while also scoring his first professional goal en route to a six-goal thriller.

However, his goal feels like just the beginning as he continues to develop under head coach Petr Kratky to his promising potential. Kratky even reserved special praise for young Nathan’s performance after the game, showcasing a bright future for the young player.

RFDL to the ISL: Nathan Asher Rodrigues did it the right way

The young Goan defender started his footballing journey from the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) after joining the Reliance Foundation Young Champs team from the Churchill Brothers U-16 team at age 15.

Rodrigues showed great hunger and resolve and spent the next five years working on his craft waiting for a senior-squad call-up. His performances did attract the attention of Mumbai City FC scouts, who recognized his potential and signed him up on a free transfer.

Joining the senior team was a step up for the young defender, but Nathan embraced the challenge while working closely with the coaching staff to refine his skills.

The coaches helped nurture the young Goan’s ability to read the game and build the play from the back. Rodrigues also added positional versatility during this time able to play as a centre-back, a left-back and even as a left-winger.

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Coach Kratky is looking forward to nurturing his talents

Petr Kratky praised Nathan’s development after the match while acknowledging the need for continued growth and consistency. Petr Kratky stated, “Look, he comes to this club because he has the potential to play at a high level. He’s a good footballer. But there are also a lot of things we need to improve. We need to keep him motivated and play good football. Because that’s why he’s here. So I’m very happy for him. But it’s a long journey for him.”

While Petr Kratky is aware of his versatility to play across the backline, he highlighted the importance of consistency for a young player like Nathan. Petr Kratky remarked, “The consistency now, especially with young players like him. This is the key. We know about his quality and what he can do. And he will get better and better. But there will also be setbacks—bad forms and mistakes. That happens. But we are here to support him and make him the best version of himself.”

The defending champions continue to nurture promising Indian talents

The young Goan’s rise from RFDL to the starting lineup reflects Mumbai City FC’s commitment to nurturing young talent and integrating them into the first team.

It’s easy for a team in the ISL where foreign recruits often dominate the starting eleven, to stifle the growth of young players for domestic success in the present. However, the club have stood firm on their philosophy of building a sustainable squad that balances experienced players with emerging talents.

While the 20-year-old is still at the beginning of his professional career, performances like the one against Kerala Blasters FC are a testament to how far he can go playing football at the highest level. Nathan’s success story could serve as an inspiration for other young players in the development league, who continue to dream of making their own ISL debuts.

As Mumbai City FC continue to edge closer to the ISL playoff spots, the West Coast Brigade will be eager to see how Nathan evolves and solidifies his place in the team. Developing his game under the defending champions and Kratky’s guidance could potentially curate one of Indian football’s future stars in defense.

Nathan Asher Rodrigues will be keen to impress in the upcoming games as an example of what can be achieved with talent, discipline, and the support of a club willing to invest in youth.

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