Paul Masefield: Anirudh Thapa could be the next skipper of India

The former defender boasts a career spanning 11 years and has played in both Asia and Europe.

Paul Masefield’s name has become synonymous with the television coverage of the Indian Super League over the course of the last five seasons. Along with Anant Tyagi, he has graced the studios and enriched the official broadcaster with his immaculate knowledge and understanding about the game.

He joined Tyagi for an episode of #LetsFootballLive through the league’s official Instagram handle. Masefield recollected his early days and his razor-sharp memory coupled with his jovial attitude made up for an excellent interaction.

Tyagi pipped him to reflect upon whether the finale of the second season of the ISL is his most memorable match in the league’s history. Masefield seemed to agree to that as he opined, “It has to be that. Just because of the occasion, for me probably also because it was the first one.

“Just the stakes that were involved in that game…you were so frustrated because certain things were done wrong and then later when certain things happened, it was a proper roller-coaster ride right until the end,” he reminisced.

As the discussion progressed, Masefield projected his thoughts on almost every prominent ISL team. He had high praise for FC Goa, proclaiming them to be one of the most consistent and efficient teams amongst the lot.

Moreover, the man also identified the intent and the attitude with which the Gaurs go about their business. “Goa are one of the most consistent teams, their mentality, with them wanting to play the game that they do.”

He continued, “What we have noticed is that if you don’t change much for the next season, then you should be able to have a half-decent season, you should be able to make it to the top four; without a lot of changes to the squad," Masefield added.

When asked to comment on Goa announcing Juan Ferrando as their new head coach, the analyst read out Ferrando’s history in the sport. He suggested that the new boss of the Gaurs must have had discussions with the staff and management.

He pointed out that the club would have to be wise with their recruitment, as they have the AFC Champions League to prepare for too. Most importantly, Masefield claimed, “Jury will be out until we see them perform.”

Elsewhere, The Englishman still seemed astonished whilst observing Chennaiyin FC’s campaign. He even admitted that he had written off their chances after the first five games. “What Owen Coyle did was absolutely unbelievable. It was quite simply stunning, nothing short of spectacular,” he declared.

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Masefield further explained, “The body language that the players had under John Gregory and Owen Coyle was like daylight and darkness; it was an absolutely unbelievable turnaround. He got the team playing the way he wanted them to and he got them to believe in themselves.”

He vehemently disagreed with Kerala Blasters’ treatment of Eelco Schattorie. Prompted to comment on whether the Dutchman being released by the Blasters was the right call, Masefield mentioned, “No, that’s my honest opinion.”

He elaborated, “You need to know the support that they have. Then they have had eight/nine managers in six seasons. There’s your problem. The clubs that have been successful have kept continuity. That’s what needed to happen.”

He then went on to draw some pointers from the interviews that Schattorie has been giving after the official announcement of his departure was made recently.

The Englishman stated, “I think he got them playing a certain way. He evolved their style of play. He managed to play (Raphael) Messi Bouli and (Barthlomoew) Ogbeche upfront and managed to get the best out of them.

“They would have been a threat this year. Now, they have to start off all over again and that’s the problem with Kerala Blasters. They have to keep continuity for one-two-three seasons,” he asserted.

After multiple underwhelming seasons, it is important for them to get a grip over the situation and unequivocally trust the man whom they choose for the job, stressed the 49-year old. He also acknowledged the mettle of the new tactician in-charge of the Blasters, Kibu Vicuna.

Paul Masefield has been an avid follower of Indian football in the recent past and hence he speaks with immense passion and enthusiasm regarding the national team’s prospects too. The Englishman was asked about the individual who could possibly take the captaincy mantle from Sunil Chhetri in the future.

Masefield had a rather surprise pick for the same. “Thapa. I would go with Anirudh Thapa,” he started off. “I think he is one who could. For me, Anirudh Thapa is definitely up there with a shout of being the next skipper of India,” the expert confessed with a firm belief.

Masefield is inspired by the idea of having longer seasons that could bring in well-rounded development in all aspects of the nation’s footballing aspirations. He described, “India is on the right track. They are trying to move ahead the right way. The planning before the pandemic was being put for longer seasons, more games, which will increase the number of games for the players."

“It will increase their levels of quality, their fitness levels and also they will be able to go and play for the national team as well. A bigger pool then gets selected by the national team coach because these players are playing more games. So yes, as a whole, India is on the right track,” he reaffirmed.

In addition to that, the ‘3+1’ formula for foreigners that is implemented in other leagues across Asia is being discussed for the ISL too. Masefield put forth his perspective of how such a system could be gradually brought into the fold.

He also believed that it would work towards the overall betterment of Indian football, as Masefield stated, “I think that’s coming. When it does come, it will be even better for Indian football because it would mean more Indians get game-time, they would play more matches.”

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