RSS
ATOM
advertisement
Our Strike Force Is Exceptional- Jagpreet Singh
Goal.com spoke to one of the most promising players from the India U-23 squad...
02-Dec-2009 10:56:20 AM
Sukhwinder Singh and his boys have left for Dhaka to participate in the SAFF Cup in the early hours of Wednesday morning after about two weeks of rigorous practice in Goa.The last time India returned from the tournament, there were some critics who demanded an explanation from Bob Houghton and even publicly criticized his selection of players after India lost in the finals. With the younger lot being sent this time around, would there be no pressure of expectations?
"I believe there will be pressure as most of us are inexperienced and young players. It's important to have a good start as that shall keep things rolling. In case if we fail to start the tournament on a right note, that's where the experience comes to aid and how we would cope in that situation remains a big test," said Jagpreet Singh.
The Punjabi boy's ball control, deft touches, mobility across the field and the ability to play short passes makes him one of the key players for Sukhwinder in the tournament. When Marcos left JCT for Mohun Bagan, many wondered as to what would be the fate of the north Indian club but all those doubting thomases were put to rest when Jagpreet Singh announced his arrival. His understanding with Baldeep Singh at the centre of the park will be the key to India's fortunes and is one of the strongest areas of the Indian squad.
"Baldeep is my senior from the JCT Academy and we played together since those days. He left the Academy and has established himself as a key player and I hope to emulate in his footsteps," said the 21 year old.
When asked to give his take on the Indian squad, Jagpreet opined that the strike force India boasts of is exceptional.
"Our striking zone is very good as Sushil and Balwant are good players. Even our bench of Jeje and Jagatar are equally good players. Defensively I think we must do better though. I haven't seen Joaquim playing on the wings but of what I have seen of him, he has done well. While Jibon Singh is junior Renedy Singh. He has exactly the same style of play."
On being asked about his opponents, Jagpreet felt that it's good to play tough teams earlier as that shall help better during the tournament.
"Though people say that we have defending champions (Maldives) in our group, I feel it's good to play them here. I have heard from Anwar that Ali Ashaq is a great player which Maldives have."
Jagpreet mentioned that iit's important that Indians remain realistic in their expectations from the team and putting too much pressure is also not right.
"You have to understand that this initiative is for the future. If people have too much expectation, that is also not right. Bob explained as to why the concept of India U-23 came up. Many players lose their way after doing well with the age group teams. With thise India U-23 team, such players have a set-up to being taken care of."
The midfielder added that international match experience is a different game altogether as added that he is looking forward to it.
"In Barcelona, Baldeep, Rakesh Masih and I played only 45 minutes. It's important to get match fitness and play international teams. I'm happy that we'll get to play more this time."
Rahul Bali
"I believe there will be pressure as most of us are inexperienced and young players. It's important to have a good start as that shall keep things rolling. In case if we fail to start the tournament on a right note, that's where the experience comes to aid and how we would cope in that situation remains a big test," said Jagpreet Singh.
The Punjabi boy's ball control, deft touches, mobility across the field and the ability to play short passes makes him one of the key players for Sukhwinder in the tournament. When Marcos left JCT for Mohun Bagan, many wondered as to what would be the fate of the north Indian club but all those doubting thomases were put to rest when Jagpreet Singh announced his arrival. His understanding with Baldeep Singh at the centre of the park will be the key to India's fortunes and is one of the strongest areas of the Indian squad.
"Baldeep is my senior from the JCT Academy and we played together since those days. He left the Academy and has established himself as a key player and I hope to emulate in his footsteps," said the 21 year old.
When asked to give his take on the Indian squad, Jagpreet opined that the strike force India boasts of is exceptional.
"Our striking zone is very good as Sushil and Balwant are good players. Even our bench of Jeje and Jagatar are equally good players. Defensively I think we must do better though. I haven't seen Joaquim playing on the wings but of what I have seen of him, he has done well. While Jibon Singh is junior Renedy Singh. He has exactly the same style of play."
On being asked about his opponents, Jagpreet felt that it's good to play tough teams earlier as that shall help better during the tournament.
"Though people say that we have defending champions (Maldives) in our group, I feel it's good to play them here. I have heard from Anwar that Ali Ashaq is a great player which Maldives have."
Jagpreet mentioned that iit's important that Indians remain realistic in their expectations from the team and putting too much pressure is also not right.
"You have to understand that this initiative is for the future. If people have too much expectation, that is also not right. Bob explained as to why the concept of India U-23 came up. Many players lose their way after doing well with the age group teams. With thise India U-23 team, such players have a set-up to being taken care of."
The midfielder added that international match experience is a different game altogether as added that he is looking forward to it.
"In Barcelona, Baldeep, Rakesh Masih and I played only 45 minutes. It's important to get match fitness and play international teams. I'm happy that we'll get to play more this time."
Rahul Bali
Thank you for your comment!
Please enter your name
Please enter your location
Please share your comment!
2 Comments
Advertisement
Inside Goal.Com
-
Zambia seek freedom from 19 years of bitter memories in 2012 Afcon final
The Chipolopolo will be aiming to honour the memory of the plane crash victims with a cathartic victory in Sunday’s Cup of Nations climax against the Elephants in Libreville
-
Capello-Terry debacle not the first, and certainly not the last scandal to star the gaffe-prone Football Association
Keir Radnedge takes a trip down memory lane and concludes that the FA will continue to frustrate friend and foe alike following the England manager's resignation
-
Why Real Madrid don't want the Copa del Rey final at the Santiago Bernabeu
The capital club are doing everything in their power to prevent their fiercest rivals from turning their famous ground into a Blaugrana base for the day against Athletic Bilbao
-
Milan have one game against Udinese to sort themselves out
The Rossoneri appeared to be building momentum ahead of the Derby della Madonnina but since losing to Inter the flaws that were evident at the start of the season have resurfaced
-
Arjen Robben can still reach his previous heights at Bayern Munich
Once the cornerstone of his team's attack, the Dutchman has struggled to excel this season. Goal.com uncovers the reasons for his decline, concluding that he is yet to expire
Advertisement
Advertisement