By Shoubhik Mukhopadhyay,
AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: No one will doubt you saying, Meghalaya-based footballer, Eugeneson Lyngdoh is the best Indian Midfielder at present. The former AIFF Player of the Year, also the ‘Best Midfielder of Hero I-League,’ says BFC are hungry for more. In a freewheeling interview with www.i-league.org, Lyngdoh discussed his personal target this season, his on-field partnership with Harmanjit Singh Khabra, the ‘extra pressure’ and much more. EXCERPTS:

Is there any extra pressure on you as the ‘Midfielder of the I-League’ from last season?

Not really. It helps that I’m part of a team that works for each other. The burden at Bengaluru FC is always shared and that has been one of the key reasons for our success. Yes, I want this to be a successful season for me on the personal front too but I will be going about things without any pressure. It’s nice to get a personal accolade but it’s not something that would keep me up at night.

Bengaluru FC’s complexion completely changed after your comeback from a prolonged injury last season. Do you feel more workload on you this time?

Like I said, this is a team that works for each other. When an injury kept me out for two months, there were others on the team who chipped in and kept us consistently in the top two positions of the points table. When I came back, I wanted to make up for the lost time and I’m glad that I could play my part to winning the League eventually.

Bengaluru FC have accomplished every possible target in Indian Football. What’s your personal target this season?

Everyone is in football to win trophies and I’m no different. We’ve won two League titles and a Federation Cup but those don’t quell our hunger. Doing well in the League also translates into better performances in AFC competitions. We showed the continent what our aspirations are and what we are capable of achieving. Personally, I’d like to go out there with the boys and win every cup we are competing for.

How are you gelling with Harmanjot Singh Khabra, your new midfield partner?

We’ve had a few sessions together and the new boys are adapting well to the system. As for Khabra, he’s an experienced player and that shows. I’m sure he will be a valuable asset to the squad.

What’s your personal take on the two new teams playing in the Hero I-League?

New teams from different cities are always a good thing for Indian football. It was important that Punjab have some representation in the League considering they gave Indian football and an institution like JCT. Also, it’s heartening to see Chennai get a club of its own. The additions of these two teams will play a big part in making the League interesting and successful in equal measure.

(Picture courtesy: JSW Bengaluru FC)