ISL 2021-22: Odisha FC’s main man Javi Hernandez declared as November’s Hero of the Month: Odisha FC’s midfield lynchpin Javi Hernandez has been a trailblazer for the Kiko Ramirez’s and owing to his performances in the month of November he was declared the Indian Super League’s Hero of the Month. The attacking midfielder netted three goals coupled with three assists to mark off a brilliant week for his team. Follow all the ISL 2021-22 Live Updates only on InsideSport.IN
If not @javih89, then who? 😍
Congratulations to the @OdishaFC star on winning the November Hero of the Month award! 🏆 👏🏻#OdishaFC #HeroISL #LetsFootball pic.twitter.com/lWmRf88hoK
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) December 5, 2021
Javi was challenged for the prize by his former teammate Roy Krishna, ATK Mohun Bagan winger Liston Colaco, his current teammates, Aridai Cabrera and Hector Rodas. However fighting all the challengers, Javi Hernandez came up on top.
Javi was a crucial part of ATK FC’s ISL winning side under the tutelage of Antonio Lopez Habas. He also plied his trade for ATK Mohun Bagan and was an important part of their campaign last season as the Mariners reached the ISL finals. However, he was snapped up by Odisha FC this summer as the Kalinga Warriors were desperate to get their signings right after an underwhelming season. The Odisha FC management’s trust in the Spaniard has paid dividends as he has been a sensation for Kiko Ramirez’s men instantly in the first month itself.
He netted two goals in their 3-1 win over Bengaluru FC in their opening fixture this season. Javi backed it up with a star-studded performance against SC East Bengal as the Kalinga Warriors thumped the Red and Golds 6-4. The Spaniard only played the first forty-five minutes and came up with two assists for Hector Rodas and then netted a goal himself. He came up with a fantastic Olympic goal from the flag-kick to beat the entire SC East Bengal defence. Javi became only the fourth player in Indian Super League history to achieve that feat.
Javi’s exceptional movements, vision and ability to deliver inch perfect ball from setpieces has been the main highlight of Odisha FC’s consecutive wins this season. Odisha FC head coach Kiko Ramirez will hope that Javi Hernandez can continue his fine form and help the Kalinga Warriors reach their maiden ISL playoffs this season.
Javi Hernandez won the poll organised by the Indian Super League and received the Hero of the Month award from his coach Kiko Ramirez ahead of their match against Kerala Blasters.