2011 AFC Asian Cup Indian playing XI: Where are they now?

#5 Pappachen Pradeep

N.P. Pradeep was live wire in the midfield for India

Born in Kerala, N.P.Pradeep began his football career as a striker and represented his state in many age group tournaments. But when he started his professional career at SBT, he played as a midfielder and aided them to win four Kerala League titles.

His impressive displays earned him a place in the senior Indian national team during the 2005 SAFF Championships. A year later, Mahindra United roped in Pradeep, and his impact was instant as the Mumbai-based club won the National League that year. The then Indian coach Bob Houghton had an eye on the player and turned him into a left back for the 2007 Nehru Cup which India won.

He scored the all-important goal in the final against Syria as the ‘Blue Tigers’ lifted their first ever Nehru Cup. The defensive role played by Pradeep during the 2011 AFC Asian Cup was crucial, though India were shown the exit door in the opening round of the competition.

In 2016, N.P. Pradeep was announced as the official 'Player Scout' for Kerala Blasters FC.