Xtra Time Web Desk : FC Goa’s young pillar under the goal, Dheeraj Singh has been named in the AFC Champions League Team of the Season courtesy his phenomenal performances for the Goan club last season.
FC Goa, which was the first-ever Indian club to take part in the group stages of the AFC Champions League, did not progress beyond the group stage but made a mark with some brave and notable performances. The Gaurs drew three matches and lost as many but kept two clean sheets during the campaign.
Dheeraj, who was part of the India U-17 team at the 2017 Fifa U-17 World Cup, produced a string of fine saves throughout the tournament. He made 26 saves that included a save from the penalty spot and had an overall save percentage of 86.2.
Reacting to the huge honour, Dheeraj said, “It’s a nice feeling and a pleasure to get named in as one of the best players in Asia. It is a big motivation for me. Champions League is already gone and ISL has already started. So it was a big platform and a great opportunity for me to play in that platform. And now we are looking forward to the ISL and yeah it’s a nice feeling for me to get named in the player of the season in the AFC Champions League.”
Dheeraj is FC Goa’s first-choice goalkeeper in the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL 2021-22) season and will play a crucial role in the side’s bid to win a first-ever title.