Exclusive Interview: Brighton & Hove Albion youngster Dylan Lall open to playing for India

Dylan Lall (Photo Credit: Brighton & Hove Albion FC)

Japanese-born Arata Izumi’s international debut for India earlier this year was certainly ground-breaking as he became the first foreign-born player to represent India at the international level. Looking at examples around the world, our national team certainly needs more PIOs (Players of Indian Origin). Three years ago, the AIFF was in talks with former EPL player Michael Chopra but that eventually didn’t materialise.

Now another British Indian, 17-year-old Dylan Lall, has expressed his interest to play for the Indian national team in the future. Dylan is currently on a youth contract at English Championship side Brighton & Hove Albion and has been with the club for over five years now. He is a defender who can play both at center back and left back.

Born in Croydon, south London, Dylan has made over 30 youth-team appearances for Brighton since the age of 15, representing them in several youth tournaments, like the FA Youth Cup this season. He has also represented the South of England at U16 level and been selected for the National ISFA U16 (private England schools team) side also.

But Dylan’s grandparents have their roots in Punjab and thus Dylan would love to play for the Indian national team, even though they are minnows in international football.

“I don’t see this (gulf in class between India and England) as a negative prospect but instead very much an honour and privilege to play for my country if ever the opportunity arose. I’m far from the finished product myself so the chance to gain even more experience I think can only benefit me in the future as I’m always willing to learn,” Dylan told Sportskeeda.

However, like in the case of Chopra and many other foreign-based Indian footballers, the fact that Indian laws do not permit dual citizenship could be a big hurdle in Dylan’s wish to play for the country of his origin.

“It’s not something (giving up his British passport) I have given much thought about in detail to be honest as my primary focus has been to the make the grade at Brighton,” Dylan stated.

The Nemanja Vidic fan hasn’t seen much Indian football till date and was hoping to witness some action next month but India’s international friendlies against neighbours Pakistan and Bangladesh, which were supposed to be held at Fulham’s Craven Cottage, got indefinitely cancelled.

His agent, Rishi Doshi of RKD Sports Management, was also planning to meet a few AIFF officials but because of the cancellation of the series, that won’t happen for now. Rishi admits the technical difficulties of Dylan playing for India as he doesn’t have an Indian passport yet, but stated that the priority for the youngster at present is to forge a successful professional career.

“Dylan’ s family and I are fully focused on Dylan securing a professional contract and his ambitions of having a long and successful career as a professional footballer” Rishi added.

Dylan talked about the influence of previous successful British Asian players like Zesh Rehman and Chopra.

Zesh Rehman and Michael Chopra are inspirations for Dylan
(Photo Credit: Brighton & Hove Albion FC)

“Of course it provides a great source of inspiration but also a sense of motivation too. The fact that Zesh Rehman and Michael Chopra became fantastic professionals makes me driven and focused, knowing that one day that it could be me too if I’m willing to work hard and dedicate myself to achieve the same dream, which I am,” Dylan opined.

In the past, many British Asian footballers have been victims of racism but Dylan has been lucky enough not to face it.

“Fortunately I haven’t been a victim of racism but I believe that’s because I don’t seem to fit a stereotype within English football as there are only very few British Asians that play football at this level. If anything it’s rather an eye opener,” he said.

Brighton, who are currently coached by former Chelsea and Tottenham player Gus Poyet, narrowly missed out on English Premier League promotion this time. The dream for Dylan, who has appeared for their reserve team already, is to play for Seagulls’ first team and hopefully, one day in the world’s most popular domestic league.

Follow Dylan Lall:@DylanLall_ and RKD Sports: @RKDsports on Twitter