ISL 2022-23: 'Bipin bhai makes it much easier' - Lallianzuala Chhangte on their Mumbai City partnership

On Saturday, former champion Mumbai City (MCFC) will be taking on FC Goa (FCG) in a contest that will considerably impact their tussle for the 2022-23 Indian Super League (ISL) League Winners Shield. MCFC is on an unbeaten run so far, and if it manages to lengthen the streak to 17 fixtures, it will make a giant stride in reserving the Shield.

At the core of this sovereignty for the Islanders has been the connection between Indian wingers Lallianzuala Chhangte and Bipin Singh. They have collectively been entangled in 22 of MCFC's 47 goals this season. Chhangte has notched up nine goals and five assists in 16 matches and spoke that having someone like Bipin on the other wing has played a significant role.

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"It makes the work so much easier, having a player like Bipin bhai, who can run as fast as me. And, of course, even the foreign players are beneficial on and off the pitch. When I see them run, especially players older than me, running and chasing the ball, it gives me extra motivation to help them out," voiced Chhangte.

This season, Chhangte and Bipin have engraved defences open with their pace, dribbling, and capacity to link up with each other. It is not uncommon to see Mumbai's attacks start with a run behind defenders by Chhangte or a lung-busting run by Bipin on the flanks. Bipin conveys that he and Chhangte are close, on and off the field, and their respect for each other comes through when they talk.

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"I've been looking at Bipin for the last two years. One thing I like about him is that he can use both feet. But I wonder if his left foot is better than mine! He never hesitates to dribble and always gets past if he has a chance to cross. Sometimes he's very unpredictable, which I also need to learn from him. I enjoy playing with him," Chhangte joked.

Bipin's rating of Chhangte is charged in just a sentence - "You've seen it on the pitch - his dribbling and shooting. My brother has it all." While Bipin and Chhangte have been critical for MCFC's sensation, Bipin was swift to point out that the team's triumph has come from buying into head coach Des Buckingham's picture and becoming aware of it over a couple of seasons.

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"Last season, it took us some time to understand his game plans. We tried, of course, but this time it was more comfortable. We all understood what needed to be done. The ones who play regularly are performing, and those on the bench have also raised their games and come in at the same level," Chhangte concluded.