R. Nirmal Kumar neither has the height nor the strength to excel at football. But he has the hunger and heart.

That is why the pint-sized player has established himself as one of the best attacking fullbacks in the Chennai Football Association senior division league.

Nirmal’s stupendous form as right-back — in defence as well as attack — this season has helped Chennai Customs stake a claim for the title, which they had lost to AG’s Office last year.

Customs coach S. Grand Duraipandian says Nirmal stands out in the league with his killer instinct and willingness to fight until the end. “Despite his physical disadvantage, he never allowed any space for Arrows’ two Nigerian forwards on Sunday. Nirmal has grown up with football and his technical ability is second to none. It is not easy to take the ball away from him in one-on-one situations,” he added.

Nirmal, who has played as a winger for Indian Bank and ICF in the senior division, has the attacking instinct of a striker. He never hesitates to foray forward. At the same time, he doesn’t abandon his defensive duties. A mature Nirmal has learned the art of mixing aggression and responsibility to deadly effect.

When Customs midfield and forward line failed to break the deadlock against their archrivals ICF last week, it was Nirmal who found the key with a marauding run on the right. Even though the fullback couldn’t score himself, he had done all the work to set up the goal on a platter for his long-time friend M. Ramesh.

According to Grand, Nirmal is one of the best crossers in Chennai football. “He can whip in crosses with amazing precision. What is more, Nirmal is effective with both feet. For his height, he has the guts to go for aerial challenges with much taller opponents. His discipline and hard work in practice is paying off in matches. He is one player I can bank on at all times,” he added.

Nirmal’s versatility is a boon for his team. He can play as right-back, left-back and wing-half on either flank. The 24-year-old is Customs’ go-to man in a crisis. He never puts self above team. When Nirmal dashes down the right flank, a productive cross or a move is guaranteed. As a defender he chases what, at first, appears to be a lost cause. But his fighting spirit has the last laugh more often than not.

The competitive fire is Nirmal’s USP. He was a key member of the title-winning Customs team two years ago. He is desperate for another championship. “I always play to win. I don’t give up easily. We are on the right track this season, even though we struggled initially. I believe our hard work will win us the title,” Nirmal, who is a protégé of Chennai Customs manager J. Elangovan, said.

Nirmal has played for Tamil Nadu in youth and junior nationals. But he is yet to make the cut for the Santosh Trophy. “I have always been unlucky when it comes to Santosh Trophy selection. I work my socks off in the camp only to be ignored for the final squad. But the disappointment has only steeled my resolve further,” he said.

Another heartburn for Nirmal is the delay in getting a permanent job with Customs. He comes from a poor family and a job, he believes, will change his life around. “I have three brothers and a sister. As the eldest member, I have a duty to take care of my family. My father’s earnings as a load man are only enough for hand to mouth existence. A permanent job is critical at this stage of my career,” he said.