After an impressive debut season in the Indian Super League (ISL) with FC Pune City, youngster Ashique Kuruniyan has made it to Stephen Constantine’s 30-man probable Indian squad for the upcoming Intercontinental Cup.
It has been a good season for the 20-year-old winger who came to the limelight thanks to Pune City coach Ranko Popovic. Ashique played nine matches for FC Pune City, scoring one goal and providing one assist.
Speaking on his dream to play for the national team, the winger said, “I am feeling very happy because it is a big thing to be a part of the national team. All the senior players are helping me. It will be difficult for me and I have to work hard.”
Ashique also pointed out that there is a huge difference between playing for the club and playing for the Indian team. “There is a big difference in ISL and the national team. It is difficult to get into the national team as there are so many good players,” said the youngster.
Kuruniyan mentioned that senior player and fellow Keralite Anas Edathodika has been really helpful to him. He said, “Anas has always guided me and helped me in improving as a player. Back in Kerala whenever I used to play, he helped me a lot.”
Asked about his debut ISL season with Pune, he mentioned, “Experience with FC Pune City was really good. We had a good coach. The team played well. Everybody in the team helped me.”
Ashique is predominantly a left-sided winger but he suggested that he can play anywhere as per situation or coach’s demand. He said, “In modern football, there is no fixed position for players. Everyone keeps changing positions during the matches. My preferred position is left wing.”
