5 promising Indian origin footballers in European youth academies

#2 Yan Dhanda

Yan Dhanda aims to follow the footsteps of club legend Steven Gerrard and play for the Liverpool first team

Another big hope for Indian football, Yan Dhanda, currently playing for Liverpool’s U-18 academy team aims to become the first footballer if Indian heritage to play for the Premier League giants. The youngster has been making waves in the youth circuit, gaining recognition after he scored both goals in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over arch rivals Manchester United.

Dhanda’s talent was first spotted by London club Chelsea when he won the competition “Search for the next Asian Star” hosted by the Blues. He was however picked up by the West Bromwich Albion academy after which he was signed by the Merseysiders aged 14 in a deal worth £200,000.

The 18-year-old attacking midfielder is a Philippe Coutinho fan and wants to follow in the footsteps of role models Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher. Dhanda has three years to realise his dream by playing for the first team before the age of 20.