By Monojit Mandal
SHILLONG: Indian Super League (ISL) has enhanced the overall quality of Indian football in many aspects feels Samuel Shadap.
The 27-year-old defender (Right back) who recently joined Kolkata based club Mohammedan SC for a new season from Punjab FC, said in an exclusive chat with The Shillong Times, that Indian Super League has immensely helped Indian Football to improve in technical, tactical aspects.
“ISL has changed a lot right from the technical, tactical and mentality of players. The structure of the organization from the management to the coaches and the players is now very well oriented.
The industry of football in India has grown significantly and now our football is being looked up by various countries from Asia, Europe and so on. Indian players have got a platform to perform alongside foreign players.
If we take a look at clubs like Bengaluru FC, their former coach Albert Roca (2016-2018) is a well-known Spanish coach who I think has given so much to the club in this context,” said Shadap.
Having said that, Shadap also stressed on the importance I-League in the Indian football scenario and said that I-League plays an important role in developing the young footballers in the country by providing a professional and competitive platform.
“I think I-League is the basis in the Indian football where the youths are getting a chance to show their skill set after they’ve been promoted by various academy present all over India. In this way, they get the desired limelight which improves their chances of playing at a higher level.” Shadap had played 11 matches in I-League for Punjab FC in 2019-20 on loan from Kerala Blasters. He had earlier joined the Kerala Blasters from Shillong Lajong in 2017.
Shillong Lajong FC occupies a special place in Shadap’s heart as he believes, it is his former club Lajong, that has helped him mature as a footballer. Playing for Lajong Shadap also made his debut in the I-League.
“Shillong Lajong FC has done a lot in improving my football ever since I started playing professional football. Those training and drills I received from numerous coaches when I was in the club have helped me mature a lot as a footballer. Back then Shillong Lajong FC was the only professional football club in Shillong and it was from this club that I got to play my first match in the I-league,” He added.
Shadap who is a huge fan of Spanish great Andres Iniesta revealed his favourite football club as Manchester United.
Shadap also said that he has been working hard for the upcoming footballing season as the COVID-19 imposed lockdown, has effected training earlier.
“My preparations for the upcoming season are good, with the uplift of the lockdown I have been able to do a lot of things which I could not do before, I’m maintaining with my own scheduled of preparations, so I hope for the best and I’m looking forward to the new season ahead.” Shadap signed off.