“It is always a challenge to play amongst foreign players in the same position,“ says Chennaiyin FC forward Rahim Ali

Indian forward Rahim Ali has taken strong strides in Indian football after joining Indian Super League outfit Chennaiyin FC . He has just grown into a great player and has also made his national team debut under Igor Stimac. Rahim Ali is now someone who is wanted by many clubs. Although it seems like he will continue with the Marina Machans in the upcoming season, Rahim will look to improve on his goal scoring output.

The youngster had two goals and as many assists last season but it was his ability to work out opening for his teammates and act as a facilitator and open up spaces which often lead to goals. However he needs to score more goals when the opportunity comes and also needs to work more on his finishing. But his talent is undeniable and hence there is interest from several clubs.

The former Indian Arrows graduate who also featured in the U-17 World CUp back in 2017 shared how he was delighted to join Chennaiyin FC in 2019 as he shared how he was enticed with the offer from the multiple ISL champions. “I had got an offer from Chennaiyin FC and I was aware that they are two-time Hero ISL champions. So, they were building a great team and were hungry for more trophies which is what got me interested in them, to play for such a club. My target is also to win a trophy with Chennaiyin FC,” Rahim Ali shared in an interview with ISL official website.

The youngster from Howrah revealed how several players like Anirudh Thapa, Lucian Goain, Rafael Crivellaro, etc have helped him grow as a player at Chennaiyin FC. It has also been a great platform for me to improve my footballing ability. Many players like Thapa [Anirudh], Rafael Crivellaro, Eli Sabia and Lucian Goian have helped me a lot, encouraged me to develop my playing style. I have learned a lot from them and there’s still more to learn because I’m still young,” the forward added.

It is not always easy for Rahim Ali being a forward as his position is dominated by foreign players. It is a problem that has been going on for some time now in Indian football and hence there has been a lack of attacking options among the young upcoming players. However Rahim takes it as a challenge and believes in his hardwork to overcome it.

“It has always been a challenge to beat a guy who plays in the same position as you. I push myself everyday because I know the foreign players are better than me, that is why they are playing here in the Hero ISL. It is a challenge and to overcome that challenge, I have to be dedicated, work hard, and keep myself humble,” he concluded.