HIL 2024-25: Team with the Best Defense Will Reach Finals, Says Floris Wortelboer
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Synopsis
As the men's Hockey India League nears its end, the competition intensifies for the top four spots, with teams closely matched. Floris Wortelboer, a UP Rudras midfielder, emphasizes that strong defense is key to making it to the finals.
Key Takeaways
- Intense competition for top four spots in HIL.
- Defensive strength is crucial for success.
- UP Rudras has a mix of young and experienced players.
- Players are eager to learn and aim for national selection.
- Upcoming matches are critical for teams' standings.
New Delhi, Jan 27 (NationPress) As the men's Hockey India League (HIL) approaches its climax, the competition for the top four positions has escalated. The leading five teams are merely separated by three points in the standings, fulfilling the expectations for the eagerly awaited return of the tournament. Floris Wortelboer, a Paris Olympics gold medallist and midfielder for UP Rudras, believes that the heightened intensity of the matches is making the competition more thrilling, adding that the team with the best defense will advance to the finals.
"So far, it’s been great. I'm in India for a month now, and I am truly enjoying the experience. We have a wonderful team with a solid mix of foreign and Indian players. The most thrilling matches are still ahead of us in the coming weeks," Wortelboer shared with IANS. "We kicked off the tournament strongly with two wins, but then we faced some losses. However, we managed to secure two victories against Gunaseka, which we really needed," he reflected on their 2-0 win over Team Gonasika.
The Dutch midfielder is pleased to witness the fierce competition among teams vying for the top four spots. "It's an exciting aspect of the competition. We're in a battle with five other teams for four positions. Every match counts. A couple of losses could see us drop out of the top four," he explained.
"Winning even once could secure our place among the top four. The closeness of the standings makes for an engaging competition, which is much more enjoyable for the spectators than if the top four were already determined after just a few games," he added.
When discussing the composition of the UP Rudras squad, Wortelboer noted, "We have a great mix of young talent and experienced players. Our team comprises eight foreign players from New Zealand, England, and Spain. It's also beneficial to have a diverse coaching staff, including a Dutch coach. We make an effort to bond both on and off the field, for instance, during our time at the hotel. Our shared goal is to win the league, and we strive to connect and enhance our gameplay together."
Wortelboer, who has netted one goal in nine matches for UP Rudras, shared his insights on mentoring young Indian players on the field. "Initially, I took the lead in guiding them, and now it's become more normalized. The younger players are eager to learn and aspire to represent India at the national level, so they need to develop further. Their ball skills are impressive, but they have much to learn in defensive strategies. We're dedicated to helping them elevate their game, particularly in off-ball situations," he remarked.
"For instance, during games, they often focus on attacking, but solid defense is foundational. We aim to assist them in refining their overall play," the midfielder added.
Wortelboer stressed that participating in HIL will significantly enhance the skills of young players and strengthen their case for national selection. "There are certainly players who will make it to the national team in the coming years. Success requires hard work and a willingness to learn. Our UP team includes many capable players who have potential for the national team, but it's a challenging journey. All of our players are skilled," he stated.
"For example, Sudeep is incredibly talented with the ball and showcases exceptional skills, but he's still adapting to this competitive environment. Training and playing alongside national team players will greatly enhance his abilities. He is among our most promising talents. Manmeet Singh is also exceptionally skilled. It's also crucial for them to develop a strategic mindset in their gameplay. They often prioritize attacking, but a one-dimensional approach can lead to vulnerabilities in defense. Many players possess great talent, but they need to continue improving to reach their full potential. If they can learn from international standards, they will gain invaluable experience during this period," he concluded.
With 15 points from nine matches, UP Rudras currently hold the fourth position in the league table and will face Tamil Nadu Dragons in their final league match on Wednesday.
