Dheeraj’s move irks coach
Indian Arrows coach Luis Norton de Matos is unhappy with U- 17 World Cupper Dheeraj Singh for deciding to take a trial for a Scottish club, calling it a “wrong career move instigated by agents”, who don’t understand what is important for the development of a youngster.
Norton is the coach of the AIFF developmental side which comprise mostly of the U- 17 World Cuppers and the U- 19 India players.
Goalkeeper Dheeraj has decided to give trials for Scotland club Motherwell FC but he would only be able to appear for trials once he attains adulthood in September.
“At this level around the players, there are a lot of people, agents and most of the times, these people don’t know or don’t understand what is important for development of a player,” de Matos said when asked if Dheeraj was making the right career move.
“I don’t think it is the best decision for his career. I will be happy if I am proved wrong,” de Matos didn’t mince words about what he felt about the U- 17 World Cup goalkeeper’s career choice.
For the Portuguese coach, playing 10- 15 I- League games would have helped Dheeraj grow in confidence compared to what he will gain out of a trial at a European club.
“I think at their age, it is best to play the I- League, and after ILeague, he could have gone for a trial. The AIFF is giving them exposure. The experience of 1015 games would have given him more confidence than trials.
“In any case Dheeraj, won’t be able to play till September as per rules as he needs to be 18 years of age. So he will be out of competition for seven months,” de Matos explained.