Name: Tulsidas Balaram
Country:
IndiaClub: East Bengal F.C.
Position: *SS, AMF, WF, CF, (optional CMF)
Side: RF/LS
Age: 21-26 years (30/11/1936)
Height: 171 cm
Weight: 70 kg *
Attack: 80
Defence: 51
Balance: 69
Stamina: 78
Top Speed: 84
Acceleration: 82
Response: 75
Agility: 80
Dribble Accuracy: 77
Dribble Speed: 78
Short Pass Accuracy: 79
Short Pass Speed: 71
Long Pass Accuracy: 76
Long Pass Speed: 70
Shot Accuracy: 77
Shot Power: 76
Shot Technique: 76
Free Kick Accuracy: 71
Curling: 78
Header: 66
Jump: 68
Technique: 82
Aggression: 81
Mentality: 78
Goalkeeper Skills: 50
Team Work: 79
Injury Tolerance: B
Condition: 5
Weak Foot Accuracy: 5
Weak Foot Frequency: 5
Consistency: 6
Growth type: Early/Peak
CARDS:
P14 - Free Roaming
S02 - Passer
S06 - Outside Curve
SPECIAL ABILITIES: Playmaking - Passing - Outside
Attack/Defence Awareness Card: Attack Minded
INFO:
Balaram was an inside-left, left winger or centre forward. He spent the majority of his career at East Bengal, scoring 104 goals from 1957 to 1962. He capped for India 26 times, scoring 8 times, and winning the gold medal at the 1962 Olympics. He retired in 1964 at still young age.
Regarded as one of the finest strikers India and Asia have ever produced, and considered by Mr. Novy Kapadia − one of the best experts on Indian football − as good as Thierry Henry, Balaram formed alongside PK Banerjee and Chuni Goswami the deadliest attacking trio India has ever had. Featured in all 1962 Olympics matches, Balaram was a key player in the India team, scoring against Thailand and Japan, and having great performances in the competition against Hungary and France. His best match though is considered the one against Hong Kong in 1958: the result was 2-2 after 90' minutes; during the extra time, Balaram assisted two goals and scored one for the 5-2 win. Balaram wasn't imposing but still effective, skillful, consistent. He was more a playmaker even though he scored regularly. A superb player, gifted with exceptional pace, he could show spectacular things from nowhere and deliver curling shots second to none. While his teammate Chuni Goswami was more a master of the ball, Balaram was more versatile. His ball distribution was so impeccable that it looked like he had eyes on the back of his head. He was the heart of his team, a good strategist who orchestrated every attacking play. When he was in possession of the ball, it was hard to predict his next move or the direction of his pass. Also, he was a threat in the box thanks to his high class ball control, scoring prowess − especially in crucial moments − and the ability to find a way out from difficult situations. On top of that, he was good at defending and apparently suitable even as central midfielder.