Steven Dias: Diminutive, only in physique, not stature, the hardworking Mumbaikar has made his mark at the ongoing ONGC Nehru Cup football tournament
- From: Chim <ChimS1@xxxxxxx>
- Date: Tue, 28 Aug 2007 15:40:58 -0700
Wednesday August 29, 03:17 AM
Steven Dias: Diminutive, only in physique, not stature
All of 170cm and 58kg, he certainly does not appear muscular enough to
be classified in the category of a modern day footballer. Leave aside
international standards, Steven Dias, would not fit into coach Bob
Houghton's image of a future Indian footballer - tall and robust.
But rubbishing all popular perceptions, the hardworking Mumbaikar has
made his mark at the ongoing ONGC Nehru Cup football tournament.
His pinpoint crosses have been the high point of the Indian show at
the five-nation meet, where they have made it to the summit clash for
the first time. The pint size dynamo has been patrolling the right
wing with the swiftness of a gazelle and has tackled opponents with
heart seldom associated with Indian footballers.
Besides regularly feeding the strike duo of Bhiachung Bhutia and Sunil
Chhetri, the Mahindra United midfielder has even scored two wonder
goals in the tournament. His first ever for the national team.
His lion hearted show that has made him a front-runner for the Man of
the Tournament award, besides fetching him two Man of the Match awards
so far, against Cambodia and Kyrgyzstan.
Behind his newfound prowess is the inspiration of Bob Houghton. "Bob
has had tremendous influence on me. He has given me a very basic
mantra - minimize your limitations and maximize potential. I have made
an honest attempt and it is paying off at the moment," Dias told The
Indian Express.
The 23-year-old made his national team debut in 2004, but his meek
demeanour never allowed the spotlight, till the Nehru Cup came
around.
He might be adept at tackling opposition strikers, but is clueless
about handling adulation. When asked about how he feels about being in
news, the shy midfielder says with a coy smile: "It is like living a
dream. I always wanted to become a footballer and play for India.
Fortunately I have been able to achieved both."
The Mahindra United player had a modest beginning with the Union Bank
Club in second division league in 2002. His obvious talent was spotted
by Air India coach Bimal Ghosh, who immediately signed him.
With his smart reading of the game and an unremitting zeal to improve,
Dias has impressed many including Houghton. "I am happy with what
Steven has done here. He is an intelligent and honest trier, no wonder
his efforts are showing results," said Houghton.
The staunch advocate of drafting taller players in the team, Bob now
accepts the value players like Steven hold in the team. "Tall players
are a plus for any team, but there is always room for players like
Steven, Chhetri and for that matter Bhaichung in any team. And I would
be more than happy if more players with such limitations come forward
and prove me wrong.
"We need to have 5-6 taller ones and rest can be any size provided
they posses talent like the ones I mentioned," added Houghton.
.
- Prev by Date: More than 30 local and international rights and aid organizations will meet with KR tribunal officials to discuss the progress of the beleaguered process
- Next by Date: Once in a red moon
- Previous by thread: More than 30 local and international rights and aid organizations will meet with KR tribunal officials to discuss the progress of the beleaguered process
- Next by thread: Once in a red moon
- Index(es):
Relevant Pages
|
