Punjab FC’s Nikhil Prabhu on recent form, potential Indian team call-up, ISL hopes & more

The full-back turned defensive midfielder is one of the most improved players in Indian football.

Nikhil Prabhu was one of the great success stories of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24. Since making his debut for Hyderabad FC in the I-League during the 2019-20 season. He went on to make 11 first-team appearances with Hyderabad FC, Odisha FC and FC Goa till the end of the 2022-23 season.

During the 2023 summer transfer window, Prabhu joined Punjab FC on a three-year deal. This transfer saw his career completely transform, as then head coach Staikos Vergetis saw Prabhu as a defensive midfielder rather than a defender. He went on to make a total of 30 appearances across all competitions in just one year.

In the ISL 2023-24 season, Prabhu played 1663 minutes under Staikos Vergetis, mostly as a defensive midfielder and became one of the best in the league in that position.

During the start of the 2024-25 season, Prabhu once again impressed in the Durand Cup and also in the opening two ISL matches, helping Punjab FC grab two wins out of two. Ahead of the October international break, Nikhil Prabhu sat down with Khel Now for an exclusive interview, discussing a variety of topics ranging from Punjab FC’s great from, Manolo Marquez, possible first Indian national team call-up, future goals and more. Here are the excerpts from the interview:

Transition from defender to defensive midfielder

“As everyone knows, I am a very aggressive player on the pitch. Playing under several Spanish coaches has helped me develop strong abilities with the ball. Coach Staikos decided to utilize my skills as a central defensive midfielder (CDM) to keep our defence stable. I now have more defensive responsibilities compared to attacking. My main objective was always to play every game and the position didn’t matter much to me, as I find similarities between the CDM and centre-back roles.”

Role in Punjab FC’s great run of form

“My role is primarily defensive. As a defensive unit, we work to prevent clear chances for the opponents, break transitions and regain possession as quickly as possible. Whenever I receive the ball, I aim to pass forward to create an attacking opportunity. Building up play is one of my strengths and the coach has trusted me to initiate play from the back, which brings out the best in me.”

Relationship with new head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis

“Panagiotis Dilmperis has always helped me improve, both on and off the field. He’s a wonderful human being, humble and lets his work speak for itself. He has entrusted me with significant responsibilities and given me the confidence to elevate my game to the next level.”

Goals moving forward with Punjab FC

“I simply don’t want to concede goals, it’s disheartening when we win but still concede. My goal is to keep as many clean-sheets as possible for my team. I want to fight in the centre of the field, regain possession and build-up play from the back to initiate attacks.”

ALSO READ: Gurmeet Singh reveals staying calm was key to his Durand Cup heroics

Personal goals for 2024-25 season

“We have an incredible group of professionals at Punjab FC. My personal goal is to help the team as much as I can and push us higher up the table. My success is always linked to the team’s success, when the team grows, I grow.”

First possible Indian national team to call-up during October international break?

“I’m not thinking about it too much at the moment. My goal is to represent the national team and sing the national anthem, but right now, my focus is fully on Punjab FC. I’ll keep my head down and continue working hard.”

Based on stats and recent form, no one deserves a national team call up more than Nikhil Prabhu 🇮🇳Hopefully we will see him in the October international window against Vietnam and Lebanon. #ISL #IndianFootball #PunjabFC https://t.co/n8U0a1LsDQ

— Hardik Malhotra (@HardikMalhotra0) September 21, 2024

Message for Manolo Marquez

“He’s a fantastic coach and I had the privilege of training under him. When I moved up from the reserve team, he was my first ISL coach at Hyderabad FC and he helped me a lot during that time.”

Leading the league in interceptions during ISL 2023-24 season

“It wasn’t about a personal milestone. It was a result of the coach’s trust and belief in me, which turned into an achievement. I’m always happy to contribute in any way that helps the team succeed.”

Advice for next generation of footballers

“Keep working hard and you will eventually see the results of your efforts. Believe in yourself, if you think you’re the best, you’re already halfway there.”

.@nprabhu_4 prayed for miracles and miracles arrived ✨🙇‍♀️#KBFCPFC #ISL #LetsFootball #ISLIsBack #PunjabFC #NikhilPrabhu #LukaMajcen pic.twitter.com/fnx55P2xDP

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) September 15, 2024

Message to teammates, coaches

“I would like to thank the director and the coach for believing in me and helping me become the player I am today. I also want to thank my teammates because none of this would have been possible without their support, both on and off the pitch.”

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