The 2023 Hero Super Cup winner, Odisha FC, announced the signing of 24-year-old left back Jerry Lalrinzuala on a year-long contract with an option to extend for another year. In 2016, the Mizo defender won Emerging Player of the Year in the Hero ISL with Chennaiyin FC. He also made his national team debut on June 6, 2017, under coach Stephen Constantine.
Player Profile: Jerry Lalrinzuala:
Jerry Lalrinzuala, an AIFF Elite Academy graduate, traveled to France for a training stint with FC Metz in his early days. After impressing Chennaiyin’s first team staff in preseason, Jerry Lalrinzuala was signed by Chennaiyin FC in 2016. Coming on as a 73rd-minute substitute, Jerry made his professional debut against Atletico de Kolkata in Chennaiyin’s first match in the 2016–17 campaign.
On December 1, 2016, Jerry scored his first professional goal from a free-kick against FC Goa. This season, he was one of Chennaiyin’s standout performers. Syed Sabir Pasha, Chennaiyin’s Assistant coach in 2016-17, once said,
“Jerry is a boy with natural talent. He has a great left foot and is very comfortable on the ball. He has a very bright future.”
On December 20, 2016, Jerry was loaned out to DSK Shivajians for the I-League season. He made 18 appearances for DSK Shivajians and won the Best Emerging Player of the I-League award. After his loan spell, Jerry went back to Chennaiyin in 2017.
Moreover, Jerry’s game-reading ability, attacking mindset, timely interceptions, and exceptional positioning make him better than other sidebacks. Besides, he is proficient in overlapping, can provide inch-perfect passes, and is helpful in dead ball conditions.
Performance in ISL: Jerry Lalrinzuala:
Since starting his career with Chennaiyin FC, Jerry Lalrinzuala has made 103 appearances for the Marina Machans. He also won the Hero ISL trophy with Chennaiyin in 2018. Jerry was also in Chennaiyin’s runner-up squad in the 2019–20 season.
Until 2022, Jerry Lalrinzuala has been an integral part of the Marina Machans. Later, he signed for East Bengal ahead of the 2022–23 season. He made 19 appearances for the Red and Gold Brigade in the Hero ISL.
But in East Bengal, Jerry could not perform well according to his capabilities. He seemed unfit throughout the entire season. So, EB management released him ahead of the upcoming season.
However, the Juggernauts keep faith in Jerry’s utility and past success. Hence, Odisha signed the skillful side back ahead of the upcoming season.
Player’s thoughts:
On joining Odisha FC, Jerry Lalrinzuala said,
“Odisha FC is a club with great ambition, and I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of it. Having known many of the players for years, I am eagerly looking forward to joining them soon and embarking on this exciting new challenge.”
Coach’s Corner:
On Jerry’s arrival, Odisha’s newly appointed Spanish manager, Sergio Lobera, said,
“Jerry is a very experienced player in a very important position in our system. I am happy with his signing and welcome him to the club. I am sure that we will continue to grow and achieve success together.”
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