India's Jeje Lalpekhlua amongst Sports Illustrated Asian talent list

Sports Illustrated has published a list of 10 Asian footballers who could make it in the future in Europe like the illustrious names like Ji-Sung Park (Manchester United), Shinji Kagawa (Borussia Dortmund) and Chung-Yong Lee (Bolton Wanderers).

The list has been put together by Asian football insider John Duerden and he has chosen only one player per country, so the list is an interesting pot-pourri of Asian talent which also features our very own Jeje Lalpekhlua. And it shows that not we, but also the outside world is taking notice of Jeje's exploits for the Indian national teams and at the Indian Arrows in the I-League.


About Jeje Lalpekhlua the writer John Duerden says:

Bhaichung Bhutia has been the main man in India for too long and while the 20-year-old Lalpekhlua is not be the first to be labeled as Bhutia's successor, he may be the one that can actually manage to do it.

"It always feels good to be compared with one whom you have always idolized or look up to," said Lalpekhlua. "But Bhaichung has reached his prime and has done so much for the country. As for me, I have just started off my career and still have a long way to go. So comparing with Bhaichung at this point is not done. It's too early. I will have to prove myself at the highest level."

Four goals in three internationals is a great start and he has also been enjoying himself for the Indian Arrows, a club set up by the federation for promising young players to get regular I-League football. This team is supposed to be the way into the 2018 World Cup. That still remains doubtful but by then Jeje, not the biggest of forwards but with the ability to find space inside the area, could easily be rubbing shoulders with the stars.

"As of now I am happy with where I am. I need to mature more as a player. I need to learn many things more. However I would like to play for a big European club one day."

Here the link to the SI.Com article