A good show by the Indian team in the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup could bring big rewards, Eugeneson Lyngdoh believes.
Lyngdoh, a key figure in the senior National team, called on the youngsters to make it count.
“Scouts from all over the world will be watching. If the boys perform well, they could get called up by a big club. This is a massive opportunity,” Lyngdoh said, here on Monday.
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Asked if any player impressed him, Lyngdoh replied, “Goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh, Komal Thatal and striker Aniket Jadhav.”
Hosting this mega event is a boon for the sport in the country, Lyngdoh said. “This tournament has laid a great foundation for Indian football. We need to build on the hype, the media attention, and the infrastructure provided to us. There is a lot of talent in India. It’s just that we have lacked a world-class platform, ” he said.
The senior team, meanwhile, takes on Macau in an AFC Asian Cup qualification fixture here on Wednesday. Having defeated the same opponent 2-0 in the first round last month, India starts favourite.
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“Macau is a good side. We can’t take them lightly. They are very compact. We need to break them down quickly,” he said.
The 31-year-old, who recently signed for Atletico de Kolkata after spending three fruitful seasons with Bengaluru FC, stated, “Normally, I go to my Bengaluru home after training and playing a match, but this time, I’m off to Kolkata. I thank the BFC team management, (former coach) Ashley Westwood, and the fans for making me the player I am today. I’m now determined to do well for ATK,” he said.