By the time Adrian Luna had set foot in Kochi for the first time last August, his reputation had far preceded him among the club's faithful. Both a playmaker and goal scorer, Luna had just spearheaded Melbourne City FC to their first-ever A-League Championship victory.
But it was natural for the Kerala Blasters' supporters to also be sceptical about the new signing despite his credentials. Blasters have been promising the goods for the fans over the years. But their imports had failed to flatter more often than not.
But with the magical swing of his right foot, Luna has proved their fears were unfounded.
The 29-year-old has been involved in 13 goals Blasters have scored this season. Luna has assisted seven goals and scored six including the one against Jamshedpur FC on Tuesday that took Blasters to one win away from the ISL title. Only Bartholomew Ogbeche has had more goals involvement for Blasters -- 16 in an otherwise disappointing 2019-20 campaign.
His screamers might be the first thing that comes to one's mind when you think of Luna's season at Blasters. But the shots that dipped late and left the FC Goa and ATK Mohun Bagan goalkeepers in a mess is just one of the qualities that have made Luna the club's most influential player in this campaign.
"That technique requires hundreds of hours of training and not everyone can master it. I have tried to learn it and if the ball doesn't dip, you could end up ballooning it and you end up looking like an idiot. Only Luna and Liston Colaco have managed to get it right in the ISL this season," said former India midfielder NP Pradeep.
"He embodies the spirit of Ivan Vukomanovic's team. He is a tireless worker and is not hesitant to press the opposition and help the defence. With the ball under his feet, he is always looking to find a player in front of him and isn't afraid of having a go at the goal from time to time," Pradeep said.
"A lot of factors must work in your favour for that knuckleball shot to work. But we haven't seen him fail with that technique a lot," said Indian football legend IM Vijayan. "It's not just the spectaculars, but how he has conducted himself and led the team on and off the pitch that has impressed me," he added.
The Uruguayan started the season as the vice-captain, but an injury to Jessel Carneiro meant the captain's armband was handed over to Luna in January. "You can see that the young players in the squad look up to him. And I hope he can work magic again in Sunday's final," said Vijayan.
Just 22 games old at Blasters, Luna is already a captain and leader at the Kochi-based outfit. And the diminutive South American could earn a legendary status among the Yellow Army if he skippers the side to the elusive silverware on Sunday.
