Singh stays grounded as star continues to rise
Sarpreet Singh ignores the hype by blocking out social media.
But it can be hard when you’re talked about as much as the Wellington Phoenix’s young star, who continues to catch the eye with his scintillating skills.
‘‘I try to stay off social media as much as possible so I don’t see everything but obviously you’re going to see some things,’’ the 19-year-old attacking midfielder said.
‘‘It’s good to see people recognising us as a team and me individually, but if anything it just motivates us to work harder and be better as a team.’’
Singh has been in sparkling form for the Phoenix this season, scoring two goals and assisting on four others, including Louis Fenton’s opener in a 3-2 win against the Western Sydney Wanderers on Tuesday.
‘‘He’s like everybody else, he’s stepped up when he needs to. I thought that first goal, not many players in the competition would have thought or tried a skillset like that,’’ coach Mark Rudan said.
‘‘Some times you forget how young he is and the amount of confidence he exudes, he’s a reflection on the coaching staff and how much confidence we put into Sarpreet. But at the same time we don’t put much pressure on him, he needs to enjoy his football.
‘‘He’s got that X-factor about him and that creativity as well and it’s very hard to coach – sometimes you just let them do their thing with the football at their feet.’’
Singh was recognised for his impressive performances throughout the month of December by scooping the A-League’s young player of the month award, which puts him in contention for the overall young player of the year award.
He said he was receive the accolade.
‘‘I’m very pleased to be nominated for this award. It does mean a lot to me and my family and it’s not possible without my teammates and everything they’ve done for me has been great, and also the coaching staff for giving me this opportunity. stoked to
‘‘Every year I’m developing and working hard. I’m continuing to work hard and trying to get better at my game. I feel like I’ve taken the next level [in my career] but I feel like there’s a lot more I can offer. So far as a team we’re doing very well but we just have to keep going.’’
But despite his praise on Thursday, Singh said behind the scenes Rudan does his best to keep the New Zealand international grounded.
‘‘He’s always on my case at training. Every time I make a mistake he’s on to me. He talks to me all the time and tells me to work hard and keeping focusing on getting better every day and the rest will come naturally.’’
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