I look up to Nabi, says Goon

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Tuli Goon (no. 17) with her teammates at an camp in Kolhapur.

She is dubbed as the female version of Syed Rahim Nabi because of her versatile nature. Starting her career as an international striker in 2005, Tuli Goon — one of the experienced hats in the Indian women’s team — is now an accomplished right back.

A Cristiano Ronaldo fan, Goon was an integral part of the triumphant Saff Championship side last year. Goon speaks about the length of her career, her colleagues, the new coach and much more. Excerpts:

You are quite fond of the tag Syed Rahim Nabi of the women’s team, isn’t it?
We have a lot in common. Both me and Nabi started our international careers in 2005. We can play anywhere. I started my career as a striker. I was very fast to start with. With the ball, I could just run and run! So with time the coaches wanted me to take the role of a full back and I adjusted well. I can still play in any position. I definitely feel proud being dubbed as the female version of Nabi.

How was it winning the Saff Championship last year?
We had won it the last time, in 2011 as well. Back to back trophies are incredible and I am proud of my team and myself. We won by big margins as well. Every match was convincing.

How big will be the Dutch challenge in the two exhibition matches?
We are so looking forward to it. We are not bogged down by their status. We believe we can match them and this belief will drive the team forward. We do not practice together very often. But this seven day camp has helped us a great deal. You need to know your teammates in and out. It is only then the camaraderie reflects on the field.

How do you rate Anadi Barua as a coach?
He encourages us a lot and is so supportive. Tactically, he is working on a lot of things. We have also seen the video footage of the Dutch side. We are working on our strengths and weaknesses. Under his guidance, we are learning a lot. He is a perfectionist. But I feel, the morale is the most important thing and our Coach stays well aware of that. He believes we can win and so do we.

You have four U-19 players in your side. As a senior pro, what do you advice them to do before big match?
They are extremely talented. That’s why they are in the reckoning. I am glad that there is more competition from the juniors as well to earn a place in the starting XI. I advice them to stick to the basics and follow religiously to what the coach says.

Whom do you idolise in football?
I watch men’s football more than women’s to be honest. I look up to Cristiano Ronaldo a lot. I have been following him since his days in Manchester United.