Eswaran goes from forward to rightback and gets it right

High energy: Maybank’s Eswaran George (right) in action against Terengganu. — LEONG WAI YEE/The Star

PETALING JAYA: Rising hockey player Eswaran George is fitting in just right with Maybank this season in the Malaysian Hockey League (MHL) but not in a familiar position.

The former forward for Matador in the league last season is now holding a defensive role with Maybank as a rightback, a decision made by head coach Iman Gobinathan.

“Coach Gobi called me up for training before the league started. I wasn’t playing much, but he made me join a five-day training stint with the team,” said the 20-year-old Eswaran.

“But at the time, I wasn’t expecting to get a spot in the squad. Maybank are among the top teams, so I figured it would be difficult.”

Determined to make an impression, Eswaran gave it everything during the short stint and the coach tried him out for their two friendlies before the season.

However, he was placed in the defensive line instead.

“We played Armed Forces, but the coach asked me to play rightback because there are too many forwards.

“He wanted me to try, which I did, but I was so nervous because I had never been that far back before,” he said.

Eswaran’s willingness to adapt paid off as coach Gobi saw potential in him, and has fielded the youngster in all three matches so far this season.

Maybank are currently top of the standings with seven points, winning 5-2 against Pahang in their opener before a commendable 1-1 draw with defending champions Terengganu.

Eswaran’s defensive skills were on display when they kept a clean sheet against Thunderbolts on Sunday, thrashing them 7-0 at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

With the opportunity for a call-up to the national team still open, Eswaran hopes he will get to represent the Speedy Tigers soon.

“This is such a good team and I have many ‘big brothers’ (experienced teammates) to learn from.

“I’m confident that after the league, I can get a spot in the national team. I know my performance will be good and I hope to excel in this new position,” he said.

Eswaran will see action next on Sunday when Maybank take on UiTM in Bukit Jalil.