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The appreciation for India's FIFA U17 World Cup hero Komal Thatal was unanimous among coaches of both NorthEast United FC and Delhi Dynamos, when they addressed the media at the pre-season press conference of ISL 2017 in Kolkata today, as both of them were all praises for the Sikkim-born winger, and touted him as someone who has what it takes to play in Europe in the future, given he keeps on developing all aspects of his game.
Former Real Madrid man and now Dynamos coach, Miguel Angel Portugal, who was all praises for the upcoming Indian talents said that it's important for the country to help complete the development of these young players at their disposal and that it's important for one player to build the pathway that can lead the rest to Europe.
"The most important thing for India right now is to develop and form these young players for which it is important to sign good coaches for the youth sides. They need time and need to find players who can play in Europe," said Portugal.
"They need a 'Virat Kohli of Football', a famous player of Indian football, someone who can be the face of Indian football and can lead the path and carry the other players to Europe. That is very important," he further said.
Coach Portugal also highlighted how he has followed the India U17 side during the recent World Cup campaign and believes that at-least two or three players have what it takes to go to Europe in the future, and expects goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh and Komal to be the first ones to do so.
North East United coach Joao De Deus too didn't hide his admiration for Komal's performances during the World Cup. When asked whether the Brazilians in his side will be responsible for some 'Samba Magic', the coach retorted that magic in the game isn't restricted to a country and that India can produce magic too.
"What is magic? It's not limited to Brazilians. I was watching the U17 World Cup and there was this Indian kid with blonde hair (Komal Thatal), and he was producing magic. Even the Indian players are very skillful and can produce a lot of magic, so it's not limited to a nationality," said De Deus.
"In the next 10 years, if India continues with the promotion of grassroots football, it will be a good thing for the football in the country," he said, as he concluded his press interaction.
Although Komal made just a single appearance for the Indian U17 side during the World Cup campaign last month, it would be safe to say he seems to have garnered plenty of admirers.
The golden haired winger with his flair,skills and tricks on display against a strong USA side seems to have earned the title of a little magician at this early age, but as stressed by both coaches, it's further development from this point onward is where the real challenge will lie for the players.
The praises for these young boys and their performances from seasoned coaches shows a positive direction for Indian football and gives hope to these young boys.
