ISL 2021-22: Odisha FC announce the signing of Spanish defender Hector Rodas

Indian Super League outfit Odisha FC continues to take the transfer market by storm as they announced the signing of Spanish centre back Hector Rodas. The 33-year-old is all set to partner with his compatriot Victor Mongil at the heart of the defence.

Rodas learned his ropes at Levante before rising through the ranks and then playing for the reserve team and then finally making his debut for the senior team in 2009. He plied his trade for Spanish outfits Elche, Betis, Cordoba, Cultural Leonesa and Alcorcon. He joined Belgian outfit Club Brugge in 2017 which has his first club out of Spain.

After joining the Juggernauts, Rodas said, ““I am extremely happy to join Odisha FC. I am looking forward to meeting my teammates and the coaches and also reaching India for the ISL. I want to achieve good things at OFC and we all will work towards one common goal. Come on Odisha!”

Odisha FC head coach Kiko Ramirez was delighted with Rodas’ arrival. He said, “Hector is going to give us the defensive balance that we need to improve the tactical game of the team. He is an experienced player who played in the first division in Spain and knows how to command the defensive line. He is also an aggressive player in defending and can help us in taking good decisions during the game for the build up.”

“He is a winner in a duel with the ball in the air and he will give us power in set-pieces both in attack and in defense,” the Spanish tactician added.

Odisha FC president Raj Athwal was also delighted with the arrival of the Spanish defender. He said, “We are very pleased to have captured the signature of Hector Rodas. Having played at the highest level in Europe we are looking forward to seeing him show his great qualities in an Odisha shirt.”

Odisha FC finished 11th in the Indian Super League standings last season and conceded 44 goals. Therefore the Juggernauts finished a proper overhaul for the upcoming season and will hope that the Rodas-Mongil duo clicks for them.