Some people kept asking why Naocha wasn’t getting chances ahead of Saheef despite Saheef looking unreliable at times this season.
But there’s a tactical reason behind Ashley trusting him.
Saheef doesn’t just play as a LB - during build up, he shifts into a left CB when KBFC moves from a back 4 to a back 3. That role needs CB instincts: positioning, compactness, progression and defensive balance.
Naocha is more of a wing-back profile than a natural full-back/centre-back.
Yes, Saheef makes mistakes, but tactically he fits the system far better, That’s probably why the coach keeps backing him.
And moving forward, the ideal solution would be signing a naturally defensive left-back who is comfortable as a full-back and tucking inside as a left centre-back during build up.
#KBFC #keralablasters