It was the 95th minute on the clock, and East Bengal FC was leading 1-0 against Jamshedpur FC. Nikhil Barla of Jamshedpur FC chested down a long ball inside East Bengal’s box, poised to take a shot on target. That’s when Anwar Ali made a heroic, goal-saving tackle from behind, preserving the lead and giving the fans a collective sigh of relief.
The Punjab-born defender has been a revelation for East Bengal FC, playing in three different positions in their last three games. Against Odisha FC, he featured in his natural role as a central defender. However, after Saul Crespo and Madih Talal suffered injuries and Jeakson Singh was unavailable due to a red card, against Punjab FC, head coach Oscar Bruzon turned to Anwar to shoulder the responsibilities in midfield.
Although it took Anwar some time to adapt to his new role in the first half, he excelled in the second. Against Jamshedpur FC, even with Jeakson’s return from suspension, Oscar continued to deploy Anwar in midfield. The versatile defender nearly scored a spectacular goal when his long-range effort struck the woodwork within 10 minutes of taking the field.
However, East Bengal’s persistent injury woes forced another change in plans. Mohammed Rakip limped off in the first half. Despite having options like Provat Lakra and Nishu Kumar on the bench, Oscar once again trusted Anwar, deploying him as a right-back. The results spoke for themselves: Anwar’s defensive solidity, capped by his last-minute tackle, showcased his extraordinary ability to adapt and deliver under pressure.
After the match, Bruzon was full of praise for the defender. “Anwar is a top player, top guy, and a top person. He’s a team man,” said the coach. “Every time I’ve asked him to play in a different position, he has never complained. He knows he is in the service of the team. In every role, he proves that he is one of the best players in that area. So, we should be very happy and proud to have such a good player in our squad. Bruzon emphasised how proud East Bengal is to have such a versatile talent in their squad.
Anwar’s start with East Bengal was not without its challenges. The transition from Mohun Bagan to their arch-rivals was accompanied by intense scrutiny. Every defensive lapse or goal conceded from his side drew criticism and ridicule on social media, with trolls and memes targeting the player. Carrying the tag of one of the league’s costliest signings only added to the pressure.
However, Anwar has tackled these challenges with the same composure he displays on the field. Under Bruzon’s guidance, he is rediscovering his best form. Joining East Bengal amid high expectations, Anwar is steadily meeting and even exceeding them as the season progresses.
As the fans cheer for their team, they can be rest assured that Anwar is there, standing tall, guarding the fort.