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On the purpose to develop the quality of Indian football and produce some quality footballer in India, The Hero Indian Super League is doing their best to produce a large pool of talented Indian players and ‘heroes’ to play for the Indian national team.
NRIs holding valid Indian Passport come play for #India. #BackTheBlue #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/Ap9Wdkjowq
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) December 7, 2016
But the former India football team captain Baichung Bhutia has recently admitted on Friday that the standards of the Indian Super League (ISL) have dropped during the ongoing third edition.
As Bhutia said,
“This year if you see the statistics, 37 lesser number of goals have come. At this stage goals scored were more last year,"
"A lot of teams have been defensive in their approach. Also in terms of Indian players scoring goals, the number has been less which is not good news,"
Bhutia explained, “There is not a single Indian scorer this year from ATK. Last year there were so many along with Chennaiyin (FC).
"I think more of the coaches this season have tried not to lose games. That's why there have been a lot of draws,"
And when the 39-year-old Bhutia has been asked about the Goan clubs pulling out of the I-League,
Bhutia stated,
"It's sad that Dempo SC Salgaocar, Sporting Clube de Goa have pulled out as they have been there since I made my debut especially Dempo.”
"At the same time, if you look at the brighter side it's an opportunity for other teams to come in. Goan fans should have supported these teams like they support FC Goa."
And lastly commenting on the U-17 World Cup, which India is set to host next year,
"The preparation is great. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) have provided great facilities. When Nicolai (Adam, head coach) took over, he did not feel the team is strong enough. I also felt the same. So he was sent scouting across the country.
"In this regard when the state tournaments happen, the states need to send their best players,"
"I am hopeful that we will give a good performance. This team is the best we got. The standards of the U-17 World Cup are very high. You see (Wayne) Rooney at 16 scored against Arsenal playing for Everton." Bhutia concluded.