He is Arnendu Dutta, the goalkeeper of Calcutta Customs. He won his first-ever 'man-of-the-match' award in the CFL Premier League match against George Telegraph on Sunday in his last three years' participation in the CFL Premier Division. He was expected to win the best footballer's award after a splendid show. 

Arnendu is happy, but not overjoyed. Earning Rs 2000 from the man-of-the-match award was important to the 23-year-old custodian. That also looks normal to a family where Arnendu's father is retired for a long time and his elder brother has a small grocery shop in his locality at Baruipur. 

Arnendu and his elder brother are the guardians of their family which consists of their mother, elder brother's wife, and a child. It was difficult for the custodian to run himself and contribute to the family with the money he earns from the CFL clubs. 

So, Arnendu decided to take part in 'masala matches' for survival. Playing four to five masala matches a month on average, the average earning can reach Rs 20 to 25 thousand. Arnendu said, "I have to spend money for myself and contribute to my family. Naturally, I used to take part in those matches despite being aware of the risk factor. Otherwise, it would have been harder to survive financially." 

The risk attacked the goalkeeper finally last year. Arnendu suffered from such an injury that his chances of representing Bengal in the both National Games and the Santosh Trophy were washed out. 

He was not even called up to the preparatory camps. Arnendu has learned the lesson and stopped participating in masala matches despite getting offers and despite being aware of the financial pressure, burdened on him. He stated, "I will not take part in those matches during the CFL and I have set focus on winning more man-of-the-matches in the ongoing CFL. That will help me to make some earnings also." 

He played as a striker in his childhood. Still, he had to play as a goalkeeper in one of his school matches. But after joining Southern Samity Sports Association he became a full-time goalkeeper. 

Arnendu added, "I did not learn the basics of goalkeeping under any goalkeeping coach in my early days. But in my last two years with Calcutta Customs under the guidance of goalkeeping coach Partha Chakrabarty and team coach Biswajit Bhattacharya, I have learned a lot. Especially, Biswajit sir's strategy helps me to play as a sweeper, coming out o the box to help the defenders whenever needed. I am an ardent fan of Manuel Neuer. Following his style, I like to come out of the box and play the role of a sweeper whenever required." 

Arnendu who needs a job badly, dreams of wearing green-and-maroon shirts. After the end of the team's practice, Arnendu is often seen sitting on the ground and looking towards the floodlights and green gallery. 

Simultaneously, while sitting alone on their club ground after the end of training, Arnendu sets another aspiration. "I want to win the man-of-the-match award against East Bengal in the ongoing CFL if I get the opportunity to play finally. Once, playing with Bhawanipore two seasons ago, I had a similar display against Mohammedan Sporting. We won that match, " concluded Arnendu.