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What's the story?
Despite bowing out of the tournament, hosts India displayed some dazzling performances throughout the tournament. Although the team failed to perform as a unit to win a match, the players individually have attracted the eyeballs of renowned scouts from Europe.
We have already spotted a few names from our sources, and we can also enhance the list with the inclusion of Indian versatile defender and set-piece specialist Sanjeev Stalin, who has been linked with a move to the Ligue 1, the top tier of the French football system.
In case you didn't know..
The FIFA U17 World Cup is known as the showpiece events for the budding talents, a few of whom have been touted to become the next Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The scouts from various European countries are in India to analyse the performances of players throughout the tournament, and the Stalin's link is no exception.
Heart of the matter
The performance of India's versatile defender, Sanjeev Stalin, who plied his trade as left back for India in the tournament has managed to impress the scouts from Europe with his dazzling performance.
The player who assisted India's ever first goal in the tournament, Sanjeev Stalin is well known for his ability to swing in inviting set-pieces and provided India with the same during the World Cup. The French scout, Joseph Mohan, analysed his performances in the league and admitted that his talent, potential and all are fit for a venture in Europe.
Mohan, whose agency Carmenta has provided young talents to the likes of some German, French and Portuguese top-tier clubs, was there in the stadiums to watch India's game and to spot the talents and to export them to the finest pitches of Europe, in a bid to help them grow into stars of the future. He was really fazed by the performance of Sanjeev for India, and if a move to Europe happens, Sanjeev could become a part of select group of Indian players who had their time with European clubs.
What's next?
The link of Sanjeev with a French scout is an undeniable symptom showing India has won the hearts of many. The players performed to their limits against proven sides in the FIFA U17 World Cup. The performance of our Colts sometimes outdid that of the opponents, but it was the lack of experience and lack of coordination that saw India bow out of the tournament.
Author's take
If Sanjeev could play for a European side, it would be a gigantic stride for the Indian football fraternity and it could certainly make a huge impact on the generations to come.
