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Mohun Bagan coach Sanjay Sen an admirer of Ruidas

[caption id="attachment_30027" align="alignnone" width="580"] Abinash Ruidas has impressed everyone with his performance in his maiden season in ISL with Atletico de Kolkata.[/caption] Kolkata: His quick overlaps with the wing earned him the nick-name of Angel di Maria by his teammates in Atletico de Kolkata. Abinash Ruidas has impressed one and all with his consistent down the line run in the ensuing season of Indian Super League. The winger from Budge Budge has had seven appearances for Atletico de Kolkata. ATK gaffer Molina will be banking on his run in the semi-finals of ISL. The shy looking Ruidas is quite enjoying being called by Angel di Maria by his illustrious teammates Helder Postiga and Iain Hume. “Yes, I am quite enjoying being called Di Maria. I want to play like him (Di Maria) one day. I am thrilled to be called by that name during the practice sessions and also during the off-times by Postiga and Hume. They are great players and I feel honoured to be called by that name,” said Ruidas non-stop before pausing for a moment. The young Ruidas has already caught the attention of his Spanish coach in Atletico. “He always supports me. He always keeps encouraging me. I try to follow the coach’s instruction on the field.” Ruidas, who has already played for the national team at the U’23 level wasn’t sure about finding a place in the first eleven. The winger had to miss the entire pre-season training of Atletico de Kolkata in Spain along with his senior Arnab Mondal. They both were busy helping their club East Bengal win the Kolkata League for a record seventh time. But ever since he joined the team he has managed to win the heart of everyone with his hard work, determination and skills. According to Ruidas, “I always had a doubt in my minds whether I will get an opportunity to play in the first eleven. I had to miss the entire pre-season training in Spain. I was a bit circumspect at the start about my ability as it was my first season in ISL.” The nickname of Di Maria was originally given to him by former East Bengal coach Armando Colaco. Following stints in the youth set-up of Mohun Bagan and Bhawanipore, Abinash Ruidas made his senior bow for East Bengal in the 2015/16 I-League season. He has never looked back since. His admirer includes Mohun Bagan coach Sanjay Sen as well who has heaped high praises on him in his columns during the ensuing ISL. Talking about his experiences in East Bengal and Atletico de Kolkata, Ruidas claims, “It is altogether a different experience playing in the ISL. I am fortunate to be sharing the same dressing room with Postiga. It is surreal experience for me so far.” Lastly talking about the semi-finals, Ruidas is confident that Atletico will do well to reach the finals.