Thimpu (Bhutan. Sumit Sharma Brahmacharimayum is a relative newcomer to the India U17 men's team but he has already made his mark as one of head coach Ishfaq Ahmed's key and trusted players.
As a team, Sumit believes India's best is yet to come at the SAFF U17 Championship.
“We can improve as a team. We didn't play to our potential in the first match. When they set the midblock, we were doing too many sideways passes. We need to create space in the middle and on the wings as well,” Sumit told AIFF.
The 16yearold centreback was not part of India's SAFF U16 Championship triumph last year. However, the start to his international career, which is just a month old, has been nothing short of a dream.
He scored the winning goal in each of India's last two matches – first in a friendly against Indonesia last month, then against Bangladesh in the first match of the SAFF U17 Championship two days ago. Both came from headers in setpiece situations.
He said, “I cried as soon as the final whistle blew. It was such an emotional moment that I can't describe it in words. Scoring the winning goal in the last minute is like a dream. My parents were also crying on the phone after the match.”
But it's not just about Sumit's headers. Most of the team's buildup starts behind him as he scans the pitch to find outlets and isn't afraid to carry the ball forward himself.
“But I have to improve a lot of things. My physical strength, speed and tactical understanding of the game. As a centreback, we have to be a leader and guide the team. At the back, we see the whole pitch, so we have to move the ball forward in the best way possible. We need to keep communicating constantly,” he added.
At 16, the 6foottall Sumit is growing in stature and so are his dreams. “Of course, my next dream is to play for the senior Indian team,” he said.
India will face Maldives in their second and final Group A match on September 24. The semifinals will be held on September 28, followed by the final on September 30.
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– / Written By Top News Bulletin
Image Credit: KhasKhabar.