5 lesser known footballers of Indian origin
For the past couple of years, the FA has seen an ongoing decrease in the number of players of British Asian origin in the senior teams. Swansea defender, Neil Taylor is currently the only player of Indian origin to play for a senior side in the first division league of England, a problem that has come up time and again. A little while ago, news of 18-year old Yan Dhanda and his prolific participation in the youth ranks of Liverpool grabbed headlines in the country.
Over time, names like Michael Chopra, Vikash Dhorasoo, and Harmeet Singh have also come up but such names have been rare and quite less than what is normally expected; especially since India, as a whole has a culture of football that goes years back. It is one of the most popular sports in the country in terms of participation and enthusiasm. A wide fanbase of international football is prevalent here.
We look at 5 lesser known footballers of Indian origin.
#1 Malvind Benning
23-year old Malvind Benning was born in West Bromwich to Indian parents where he also completed his education. He kickstarted his career at League One club Walsall and progressed though its youth ranks before being loaned out to Southern Football League side Evesham United in 2012. His first appearance for the senior side for Walsall came in November 2012 as a substitute.
In 2014, Benning received the Young Player of the Year award at Walsall's award ceremony. Starting from 2015, Benning plays for the League Two side, Mansfield Town. Benning is an ardent Liverpool supporter for the simple reason that all of his family have followed the club.
He is known for his abilities with the ball especially when it comes to tricky crosses and positional play. He is known to have been influenced by Ashley Cole who is a talented left-back in both the attacking and defensive sense of the game.