ISL 2017/18: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu cautions Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem about European move
What's the story?
Bengaluru FC's first choice goalkeeper, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has cautioned the former Indian Arrows shot stopper, Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem regarding the prospect of moving abroad. Sandhu advised the teenager to be careful while choosing a foreign club.
In case you didn't know...
Dheeraj Singh was part of the Indian team in the FIFA U-17 World Cup and impressed all and sundry with his excellent goal-keeping skills.
He then played for the Indian Arrows in the ongoing I-League for a short period of time. He didn't extend his contract with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in order to give trials at foreign clubs. Currently, awaiting visa, Dheeraj is training with ISL side Kerala Blasters to maintain fitness.
The heart of the matter
Sandhu, who has had a stint with Norwegian club Stabaek and is the first choice goalkeeper of the Indian national football team, warned Dheeraj to be careful about his future.
"I am delighted. This is the right time for him to move out. He is 18 and I wish I had an opportunity like this when I was his age. But it's something that he has to be very careful about," the former Stabaek goalkeeper told IANS in an interview.
"It's good that he wants to challenge himself. It's more mental than physical. I hope he is making the right choice about which place to go. Because if he goes to a place which doesn't see him as a player for the future, it's a big problem," the 25-year old said.
"I hope he is not used as a player (bait) to enter the Indian market (like some European clubs are attempting)," Gurpreet added.
What next?
Dheeraj is due to give trials at certain European clubs including Scottish Premiership side Motherwell FC.
Author's take
It is a big opportunity for Dheeraj to move abroad and learn techniques and skills from better coaches in better conditions but Sandhu has a point about being careful as a wrong move can be detrimental for the youngster's career.