ISL 2017: Sunil Chhetri would have been a good signing for Coventry City, says ATK's Carl Baker
What's the story?
Sunil Chhetri has proved himself as India's very best for much of a decade now and though there were never any doubts regarding his talent in India, it did seem a tad disappointing when he failed to make the cut time, and again when abroad. And now it appears that it may not have been much of Chhetri's fault at all.
ATK's new signing for the ISL 2017 season, Carl Baker, has revealed via his official Twitter account that he wasn't even aware that Chhetri had a trial at his former club Coventry City, at the same time that Baker was playing at the club. And after all this time, he seems rather bewildered that the then manager Chris Coleman didn't sign the Indian striker.
In case you didn't know...
Sunil Chhetri had trials at several big clubs including Coventry City in 2009 during his career which did not amount to anything big for the Indian at a time when Indian players weren't considered up to the mark.
The heart of the matter
Baker's roaring approval of Chhetri comes as no surprise to Indian fans, who are well aware of the sheer ability that the Bengaluru FC striker possesses. Chhetri has been one of the best strikers for India, leading the Blue Tigers to a 13-match unbeaten streak.
What's next?
Baker is set to take to the field for ATK in ISL 2017 while Chhetri will play for Bengaluru FC this season.
Author's take
Hopefully, European club managers will have their eyes firmly set on the ISL to scout young talent coming through the ranks at any of the 10 clubs participating this season. Chhetri's career may not have taken off the way he wanted, but with winds of change on the horizon, it could be a matter of time before an Indian player takes world football by storm.