Exclusive: The ISL is at par with the Thai league- Aridane Santana

A lot is expected from the striker as the Juggernauts get close to the business end of the league.

Having been a part of seven goals of Odisha FC's 13 this season, Aridane Santana has been the player Josep Gombau wanted under him in the ISL. The striker is running the show at the club and is often seen dropping into midfield, starting a move before moving forward to finish it off. Aridane joined Odisha on loan from CYD Leonesa, a third division club in Spain and did not take long to prove his mettle. With 10 games under his belt, he has six goals to his name - competing for the Golden Boot with the likes of Roy Krishna (8), Ferran Corominas (7) and Sunil Chhetri (7). But, as surprising as it may be, this is only his second season out of Spain, with the first coming at Bangkok Glass in Thailand. Talking about his decision to come to India, he said, "I was looking to go outside for the second time. First, it was Thailand and at this stage, I was feeling motivated to have a new experience outside and everyone told good things about India." He also remarked that the ISL is at par with the Thai league. "I think, at the end, both leagues are very similar. It is true that the Thai league is also strong like the Indian one, but I have been fine in both leagues and I am quite happy for that." [KH_ADWORDS type="3" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

Season So Far

Santana reflected on the roller-coaster ride for Odisha so far this campaign. The Juggernauts found it hard to exit the bottom of the table in the initial phase of the league, but have bounced back to stay just four points shy of the playoffs spots with eight games still to play. He said, "I think it's very difficult, not only for us because it is a very competitive league. All the teams struggle to be consistent. These teams are very competitive and very strong and that's the main point to make." Talking about his contribution, he said, "I think collectively, we have been having a good season so far. I just hope my individual scores can help the team to keep growing, keep improving."

'Broadcasting Is Very Good'

Pointing out the positives of the Indian Super League, Santana mentioned that the outreach of the broadcast of the games is enormous. "I think one of the most positive things is the spread of broadcasting. Broadcasting is very good. You can see the TV show and the programs are very nice." But, he also mentioned that the quality of the refereeing must improve. "I would like the referees to go in the same way. I think the league should help them to be as good as the broadcasting." [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News | ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

'Helpful To Have Spanish Coaches'

Shifting from Spanish football has been difficult for many foreign players, especially when it comes to adapting to the Indian food and climate. But, Aridane Santana believes that the mere presence of Spanish coaches and players makes it easy for newcomers like him. Odisha, in particular, boast at least five Spanish players. Interestingly, four of the five coaches at the club are also from Spain. Mentioning that, the striker said, "It's been very helpful to have the Spanish coaching staff and Spanish teammates. That makes life and the adaptation so much easier. Also, I want to mention the Indian staff and Indian players, they are very good and make everything so much easier."

Odisha FC, The Fans & Playing Away From Home

Josep Gombau wanted a player like Santana last season as well. But, Andrija Kaluderovic's time in India was plagued by a poor run of form and injuries. Gombau needed a target man, somebody who could lead from the front and Santana has been the perfect fit. Aridane Santana mentioned that he is well-suited to Gombau's style. "I have been very comfortable working with Josep. I like his idea and football style. I think the most important is we work and we play the way we work. So, that's a plus for him and all the players." [KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] Nobody likes to play away from home. The former Real Zaragoza striker mentioned that it was a difficult phase for the players and it affected them physically. "It definitely hasn't been good. It's been a big struggle because we were not able to have our fans next to us. Also, the fact that we have to travel a lot affects us in the physical part." Bidding adieu, Aridane Santana did leave a short message for the Odisha FC fans. He said, "We are so grateful for all the fans coming to visit us in the game. I hope and I expect that more and more fans can join in the next games, so we can feel all together.