ISL: Who is Bengaluru FC's Rahul Bheke?

Rahul Bheke, the scorer of Bengaluru FC's ISL-winning goal has emerged as one of the most effective wing-backs in the country.

Rahul Bheke was one of the key players in Bengaluru FC’s ascension to the ISL crown in the 2018-19 season.

Rahul Bheke has emerged as one of the most effective wing-backs in the country commendably balancing his attacking skills with his defensive role. With the ISL ushering Indian football to new systems, Bheke found the transformation suiting his style and approach as he moved from East Bengal to join Bengaluru FC for a long contract in 2017.

READ | Bengaluru FC lifts maiden ISL title after late Bheke winner

Bheke was scouted to the top level football by the Kolkata giant, which picked him up from the now-defunct Mumbai FC and gave the player the prominence he deserved. Bheke moved around on loan to play for ISL sides like Kerala Blasters and FC Pune City in the past few seasons and was a strong presence in the back while showing the ability to make good overlaps to aid the attack.

Rahul Bheke scores the winning goal for Bengaluru FC in the ISL 2018-19 final against FC Goa.

 

The 28-year-old right-back, who also has the ability to make long throws, proved his merit securing Bengaluru FC the title with the winning header late in the second half of the extra time.

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Given his statistics in the season (the defender scored three and assisted one), he was one of the key players in Bengaluru’s ascension to the crown. Compared to the previous season he had with BFC, the team’s present coach Carles Cuadrat gave Bheke the space and confidence to play a more proactive role in the side and the gutsy right-back proved the faith of his coach right finding the team and his own name a place in history.