India as a country of 1.3 billion people (approx) is often criticised for not being able to field a competitive football team in spite of its football crazy fans and vast potential. A career in football is a far away dream for most Indian players due to the lack of opportunity and inefficiency that plagues the game in the country.
A reason often cited for the lack of at the highest level in Indian football is the genetic disadvantage of Indians when it comes to the physical aspects of playing sports like football. Indians are thought be weaker, slower and technically inferior to their European counterparts and hence unable compete at the highest level.
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A new breed of Indian and Indian-origin footballers are now overcoming the hurdle of opportunities and making their way to major European leagues with the aim of making it big in football. We list a few such prodigies who are subject of interest of big clubs of European football.
#1 Ishan Pandita
In October 2016, 18-year-old Ishan Pandita realised his dream and wrote his name in Indian footballing history becoming the first Indian footballer to sign a professional contract with a La Liga club. Pandita joined the U-19 side of La Liga club CD Leganes who are currently 17th in the Spanish top flight and represents the team in the Division Honour de Juvenil, which is Spain’s top division for U-19 footballers.
Also Read: 5 things to know about Ishan Pandita
The 18-year-old striker’s journey to the La Liga has taken him from the Philippines to Bengaluru and then to Spain where he got selected for Almeria’s youth academy and tried out for various Spanish clubs including Getafe, who he turned down, as he exclusively wanted to play for a club in the La Liga.
Pandita has set high target; the striker wants to cement his place in the youth team and make at least one appearance for the senior team by the end of the season, with an aim to eventually becoming a regular at the top level which would be an unprecedented achievement for an Indian footballer.
#2 Yan Dhanda
Another big hope for Indian football, Yan Dhanda, currently playing for Liverpool’s U-18 academy team aims to become the first footballer if Indian heritage to play for the Premier League giants. The youngster has been making waves in the youth circuit, gaining recognition after he scored both goals in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over arch rivals Manchester United.
Also Read: 10 things to know about Liverpool's Indian youngster Yan Dhanda
Dhanda’s talent was first spotted by London club Chelsea when he won the competition “Search for the next Asian Star” hosted by the Blues. He was however picked up by the West Bromwich Albion academy after which he was signed by the Merseysiders aged 14 in a deal worth £200,000.
The 18-year-old attacking midfielder is a Philippe Coutinho fan and wants to follow in the footsteps of role models Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher. Dhanda has three years to realise his dream by playing for the first team before the age of 20.
#3 Joshua Pynadath
Indian origin American footballing prodigy Joshua Pynadath was only eleven when he won the chance to train with Real Madrid’s youth academy in 2013, who beat arch-rivals Barcelona for his signature. Pynadath was picked after impressing in two trials for Real Madrid where he played as a full-back, striker and a winger, scoring one goal in the process.
Prior to being selected by the Real Madrid academy, the 14-year-old then also appeared in a tryout for FC Barcelona who too were interested in his talents. His signing with the Los Blancos also set a new milestone as he became the first Indian-origin footballer to sign a contract with the club.
The youngster is continuing his development in Amsterdam where he plays for the Ajax youth academy which has produced players like Johan Cruyff and played his first game for them in October 2016, coming on as a substitute in the second half.
#4 Ashique Kuruniyan
As per Villarreal president Fernando Roig, Kerala-born Pune FC academy graduate Ashique Kuruniyan was picked by the Yellow Submarine youth team as the club saw a spark in him and wanted him to realise his true potential. The 19-year-old, who represents India at the U-19 level, was loaned to Villarreal out by his parent club FC Pune City for a stint with the club’s much-vaunted youth academy team.
Also Read: Ashique Kuruniyan to return home from Villarreal CF after getting a year-extension on his loan
Kuruniyan recently returned from Villarreal after suffering a hamstring injury playing for the club. The dream is not yet finished for Kuruniyan. Both Villarreal and FC Pune City have pledged to continue their association and help the youngster continue his development post rehabilitation from injury.
Villarreal look forward to having him on their books next season and the signs are looking good for the forward who wishes to return a better player and represent his country at the highest level.
#5 Abneet Bharti
Promising Indian origin talent Abneet Bharti was playing for the Real Valladolid youth academy when he signed for Polish first division team TS Podbeskidzie amidst interest from a number of German Bundesliga clubs in July 2015.The deal made him the youngest Indian footballer to sign for a top-division European club.
Abneet was not able to sign for Bundesliga clubs due to FIFA eligibility rules which do not allow him to play outside his country of Poland. The Polish outfit were willing to sign a three-year deal with Abneet but he declined due to his desire to play in Germany.
Dutch club Anderlecht are rumoured to be monitoring his progress with a view to signing him as soon as he turns 18. Bharti, whose love affair with football started during the 2006 World Cup in Germany dreams of eventually representing India on the world stage.
