Dheeraj Singh’s Motherwell FC trial a gamble?

EVEN IF DHEERAJ IMPRESSES DURING HIS THREEWEEK TRIAL, HE WILL STILL HAVE TO WAIT TILL JULY TO OBTAIN A TRANSFER

NEWDELHI: Dheeraj Singh’s heroic performances whilst manning the posts for India in the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 led many to deem him the find of the tournament. But his departure from the Indian Arrows — the developmental side that plays in I-league — in order to pursue opportunities in Europe (Scottish Premier League club Motherwell FC) left many puzzled, since most believed he needed to play more before thinking of making such a move.

Even if Dheeraj impresses during his three-week trial at Motherwell FC, he will still have to wait till July to obtain a transfer, when he turns 18. Simply put, Dheeraj’s decision to leave guaranteed first-team football for a shot at playing abroad is a gamble that could easily backfire.

Bengaluru and Indian football team goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who was a part of Norwegian club Stabaek for three seasons, believes Dheeraj will only succeed by putting in the extra miles. “It’s definitely not a walk in the park. Even if you go on your own merit and abilities and are ready to stay and fight there, it’s not easy. But the process made me mentally and physically tougher,” said Gurpreet.

He did, however, have a word of caution for Dheeraj, saying he should look to join a club that values his talent. “I hope he goes to a place where the team sees him as a player they can develop and use instead of seeing him as an opportunity to enter Indian market.”

UPHILL BATTLE

Dheeraj Singh will have to put in a lot of effort just to impress the right people at Motherwell , but his passage into the club’s first team is by no means guaranteed even if he does secure a contract.

Motherwell’s current firstteam squad features three goalkeepers and they also have highly-rated young shot-stopper Rohan Ferguson on their books.

Dheeraj’s best shot at a firstteam berth will come if he gets signed, goes through the club’s academy and plays for the U-20 side, which currently features only one goalkeeper.

Impressive performances at the youth level could potentially catch the attention of other clubs should Motherwell deem him surplus to requirements.