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What’s the story?
India’s U17 World Cup star Komal Thatal has been spotted in the ATK camp, training with the defending champions of the Indian Super League, ahead of their crucial clash against last year’s semifinalists Mumbai City FC.
In case you didn’t know…
Komal Thatal was a part of the Indian squad during the FIFA U17 World Cup, which took place in the country, earlier this year. The youngster had impressed one and all with his performance in India’s match against USA, but was subsequently dropped from the starting XI.
Heart of the matter
Komal, who is rumoured to have fallen out with the then India U17 side coach Luis Norton de Matos, was not included in the Indian Arrows squad, which is also being coached by the Portuguese. The teenaged sensation was said to have preferred a move to the ISL, instead of the I-League.
Now, leaked pictures of ATK’s training session show that the FIFA U17 World Cup star has been .training with ATK ahead of their clash against Mumbai City FC at the Andheri Sports Complex in Mumbai.
An picture posted by ATK on their Instagram story shows Thatal training with the team.
ATK's star midfielder Eugeneson Lyngdoh also posted pictures of the team's training, where Thatal can clearly be seen kicking about with senior national team star Robin Singh.
What’s next?
While this transfer has not been confirmed by the club as of yet, Thatal will become the first player from India’s U17 World Cup squad to sign for an ISL side. This signing is set to give the struggling ATK a lot of impetus in attack, as they look to haul themselves out of the bottom spot in the ISL 2017 table.
Author’s take
This move could give a huge boost to Thatal’s career, as he will now get to play alongside some top quality players like Robbie Keane. The teenaged sensation will also get to train under former Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur legend Teddy Sheringham.
