The 23-year-old has registered 6 assists in 48 Indian Super League appearances for Hyderabad FC since joining the club in 2019.
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ATK Mohun Bagan has reportedly signed right-back Ashish Rai from Indian Super League (ISL) champions Hyderabad FC. The Mariners were looking for a quality player at that position. The 23-year-old seems to be the perfect signing with ATKMB’s Prabir Das linked with a move to Bengaluru FC. The youngster has been a pivotal player for the Nizams over the last two terms and played a key role in their maiden title triumph in 2022. Meanwhile ATK Mohun Bagan made the play-offs last season but lost to Hyderabad FC in the two-legged semi-finals.
ATK Mohun Bagan have completed the signing of Ashish Rai from Hyderabad FC on a FIVE-year contract. The club wanted reinforcement on the right and paid a transfer fee to get the young defender released.#Indianfootball #ISL #Transfers #ATKMB
— Marcus Mergulhao (@MarcusMergulhao) May 24, 2022
Rai’s first break came when he became part of the Pune City Academy in July, 2017. And then, later in November, the full-back was inducted to Indian Arrows. He swiftly made his chances count, featuring in every game for the developmental side in the 2018-19 season. The move turned out to be the turning point in his career and the consistent performances throughout the season led to the move to the ISL. Rai signed for Hyderabad FC ahead of the 2019-20 season and there was no looking back from that point.
Rai didn’t have a great debut ISL season with the Nizams, managing to register just a single assist in 14 appearances. He played over 1000 minutes with an average of 31 passes per game, with 60% accuracy. He also completed 2.7 crosses per game. Although Rai’s numbers weren’t great, his work ethic and never-say-die attitude was the impressive part of his game. After a disappointing debut season for the club, that saw them finishing at the bottom of the ISL standings, the management appointed Manolo Marquez as the head coach ahead of the 2020-21 season. According to a twitter post by Marcus Mergulhao, ATKMB have completed the signing of Rai from HFC on a five-year-deal.
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Under Marquez, Ashish evolved into one of the best full-backs in the country. He had a much better 2020-21 ISL season as his number soared up with uninterrupted game time. He registered 2 assists, 58% passing accuracy, 2.7 crosses and 43 passes per game in 18 appearances. He was contributing at both halves of the field. His defensive number also developed, as he registered nine tackles and interceptions in every match. HFC missed the playoffs by a whisker in the 2020-21 season but their enterprising style of play earned them lots of applause.
The attacking full backs were a pivotal part of Marquez’ plans. The two full-back’s Akash Mishra and Rai worked tirelessly down both the flanks. The duo were among the best full-back partnerships in the league. Marquez extended his stay at the club for another season and eventually led them to their maiden title in the 2021-22 ISL season. HFC finished at the second spot in the ISL points table at the end of the league stage. The Nizams overcame three-time champions ATKMB in the semi-final before defeating Kerala Blasters FC on penalties to lift the ISL title.
Rai’s arrival is surely going to bolster Juan Ferrando’s side, who recently qualified for the knockout stage of AFC Cup after winning their group. ATKMB plays with a 3-4-3 formation, with wing-backs playing a key role while going forward. As of now, Liston Colaco is deployed at the left flank with Prabir at the opposite wing. Prabir is linked with a swap deal involving Bengaluru FC’s Ashique Kuruniyan and therefore Rai is likely to come into the playing eleven straight away. ATKMB hasn’t confirmed about both the deals and if it’s completed, then it would be a treat to watch Ashique and Rai bombarding the flanks for ATKMB in the 2022-23 ISL season.
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