Hoping to make ISL debut with FC Goa soon, says Christy Davis

The 22-year-old opened up on his stint with the Gaurs, pathway to the ISL and more.

Kerala has been the home of many great footballers. However, of late, there has been a steady decline in the number of rising talents from the state, as the sport's importance reduced. Things are finally starting to look positive once again these days, as made evident by the 22 different Kerala-based players in the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 season.

Among them, the likes of Sahal Abdul Samad and VP Suhair have already raised eyebrows with their glittering displays - and more are expected to follow suit.

The Durand Cup 2021 champions FC Goa came into the ISL 2021-22 as the favourites to top the league table. However, unfortunately, they have struggled since then and have notched just two wins from the nine matches played. A few weeks ago, they also had a managerial change, with then head coach Juan Ferrando shifting base to ATK Mohun Bagan in a shocking move.

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That said, the Gaurs have enough time left to complete a turnaround of their fortunes, with 11 league games remaining for them. Their new head coach Derrick Pereira has already opined that it is 'do-or-die time' for the team, as they look to secure a berth in the playoffs.

FC Goa have many talented youngsters on their roster, capable of assisting in the turnaround. One of them is Christy Davis, a Keralite who rose through the ranks at the club to finally earn a spot in their ISL squad this season.

In an exclusive interview, Khel Now recently caught up with Christy, who expressed his delight at being a part of the Gaurs. "FC Goa taught me the basics of professional football. They taught me how to maintain a professional approach to everything, both on an off the pitch. They give good importance to their Reserves and Youth teams as well - which is why I've gotten plenty of game-time since I joined them," he began.

Pathway to the ISL

"The coaching staff at FC Goa and the players too - they always back each other and it's a big boost for someone like me. This is true in the case of the development teams as well, especially in my case, as the coaches there played a very big role in my journey so far. As I already said, they gave me plenty of game-time and supported me throughout," Christy Davis said. After signing with the Gaurs in 2019, the 22-year-old played in the Second Division League and the Goa Pro League, among other competitions.

Earlier in 2021, he was also a part of the Gaurs' squad that won the Durand Cup. "That was a wonderful experience. It was the first time when I played with the senior team of the club and I fully enjoyed the experience. As everyone knows by now, we had a few issues during training sessions and so on, but the trophy made us forget it all quickly," he said.

"I would also never forget playing in front of fans, in a packed stadium in Kolkata," the midfielder added. FC Goa played the semi-finals and finals of the Durand Cup in front of over 40,000 spectators, and Christy noted that those were probably the biggest turnout for any game that he has featured in.

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Experience in the ISL & comparison with lower leagues

After featuring in the Durand Cup, he earned his maiden call-up to the FC Goa ISL squad. The biggest difference between the ISL and the other leagues, Christy Davis noted, is in terms of the intensity.

"With FC Goa, I've played in the Second Division League and the Goa Pro League as well apart from the ISL. Recently I had the opportunity to feature in the Durand Cup as well. You can't compare these competitions with the ISL as far as gaming intensity is concerned. The intensity is on a whole other level here," he noted.

"The quality of players is also much higher - be it Indians or the foreigners. Playing with them facilitates an overall improvement in our footballing levels too. Hence altogether, I have absolutely no complaints."

About the FC Goa playing style

Another positive aspect of being a part of the Goan outfit is their playing style, according to the youngster. "The club follows the same possession-based playing style right from its Youth teams to the first-team that plays in the ISL. It is a big, big plus for the players who are being brought up in this system," he explained.

"In our build-ups here, even if we lose the ball, we're asked to continue following the same process. Slowly and steadily, we improve, get rid of our fears and do better with the ball at our feet. This is the same for every team at FC Goa. Hence, although the pace and intensity of gameplay is higher here in the first-team, I've been able to adapt to it because I had been doing the same things with the Reserve team too.

"When you speak about the playing style, you also have to speak about those involved - especially the senior players in the team who are very supportive of us," Christy Davis further added. "Their presence has really helped.

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"Alberto Noguera is one of the most supportive players I've ever played with. Two others who have greatly helped me are Brandon Fernandes and Glan Martins. The captain, Edu Bedia, is someone who I look up to. His communication skills is one of his best attributes and you can see that, especially when the team is going through a rough patch on the pitch," he went on.

The ongoing 2021-22 season

Wins against fellow-strugglers SC East Bengal and Bengaluru FC are all what FC Goa have been able to manage so far, with ISL 2021-22 progressing well into the 10th gameweek. Apart from the two victories, the Gaurs have three draws and four losses in nine games and are six points behind fourth-placed ATK Mohun Bagan.

It hence goes without saying that there is plenty of work left to be done for Derrick Pereira and Co., provided they want to secure a playoffs berth. "Yes, we know. Things have been a bit difficult so far, but the wins against SC East Bengal and Bengaluru FC give us hope," Christy Davis said. In the last six games, FC Goa have lost just once and it shows that the team are looking to improve.

Christy himself has not featured in the league so far, although he was named among the substitutes on one occasion. "Against SCEB, I got the feel of an ISL game for the first time. Now, I can't wait to make my debut for the team, and I'm hoping that I'll get my chance soon," he concluded.

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