


NALLAPPAN MOHANRAJ

PRE-ISL
This Ashley Cole influenced left-back was born 23 February, 1989. Nallappan Mohanraj best exemplifies the dictum that failure is but a stepping stone to success. After several failed attempts at various selection trials he was snatched by then second division Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd in Bengaluru which in turn led to a contract with Indian giants Mohun Bagan.
With his delicate left foot, he helped Mohun Bagan to a few titles. For five years Nallappan remained faithful to his club. During this time he made his debut for India during international context, both at first-team level and youth level.
In 2012 Mohanraj signed for FC Pune and picked up yet another I-League runner up medal. Only years later, the left back was on the move again, this time to Mumbai Tigers and in February 2014 he signed for SC Goa and made his debut in the I-League match against his forme club Pune F.C.
ISL
On July 19, 2014, IMG-Reliance presented the list for ISL domestic players draft, which Mohanraj was a part off. The left-back was drafted by Atletico de Kolkata on 23 July, 2014. Upon his arrival he was praised as a fast runner and a good overlapper, but there were also threatening clouds about his sense of making mistakes.
Prior to the start off the season it was discussed whether Mohanraj or Biswajit Saha would be Antonio Lopez Habas starting left-back. In most cases Mohanraj was seen as the obvious choice, but as the league started Mohanraj was left out of the squad. It took eight rounds before Mohanraj finally got his first start against Northeast United on November 18, 2014 because off the injured Biswajit Saha.
Mohanraj started the following two matches against Kerala Blasters and Pune City, but once Saha was healthy he was relegated to the bench once again. Mohanraj did two two more short appearances, but sat on the bench during the entire playoffs.
POST-ISL
Along with his Kolkata-teammate Lester Fernandez, Mohanraj signed for I-League team Bharat FC for the remainder of the 2014-15 season on December 24, 2014.
PLAYING CAREER

07-12
Mohun Bagan

12-13
Pune FC

13-14
Mumbai Tigers

2014
SC Goa

2014
Atletico de Kolkata

15-
Bharat FC
ATLETICO KOLKATA STATS
GAMES PLAYED: 5 FIRST MATCH: November 18, 2014 - NorthEast United
Starting XI: 3 LAST MATCH: December 10, 2014 - FC Goa
Substituted: 2
MINUTES PLAYED: 344
GOALS: 0
ASSISTS: 0
SHOTS: 0
Shots on goal: 0
Shots off target: 0
FOULS COMMITTED: 4 (0, 80 fouls/match)
CARDS: 0
= 0
= 0
QUOTES & INTERVIEWS
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November 05, 2014 - "A lot of people are contemplating whether Atletico de Kolkata will be a success or not. But I can assure you 200 % that it will be successfull." [ATLETICO DE KOLKATA YOUTUBE]
