Vishal Joon: I would certainly want to step up to ISL if given the chance

The goalkeeper spoke to Khel Now in an exclusive interview about his season, career ambitions, and more.

Vishal Joon falls under the category of late-blooming goalkeepers who made the most out of the one chance they got and are now regulars between the sticks. Born in Bahadurgarh, Vishal began his journey shuttling between Delhi clubs Hindustan FC, Delhi FC, Indian National, and Friends United.

Rajasthan United brought him in as an understudy to Bhaskar Roy, and the Desert Warriors subsequently bagged a promotion to the I-League. The first step was winning the I-League Second Division and in the I-League qualifiers, it was Vishal Joon who stepped up and proved his mettle.

However, a shoulder injury saw him miss the entirety of the rescheduled 2021-22 I-League season, but Vishal Joon did not let it deter his progression. While Bhaskar Roy secured a move to Mumbai City FC, Vishal slotted back into the set-up and he replicated the trust with some good performances in the Durand Cup.

He went on to have an outstanding breakthrough season in the I-League, keeping four clean sheets for RUFC. The custodian spoke to Khel Now in an exclusive interview. Here is what he had to say.

The inspiration behind becoming a professional footballer

Vishal shares an interesting tale of what sparked his footballing journey, "I hail from Haryana where football is not that famous and no one played professionally. My football journey started with playing for my college, and later on with Chandigarh University. I saw professional players playing there and that inspired me to become a professional."

Rate your breakthrough season

Four clean sheets in his first I-League season is an impressive return considering Rajasthan United's defensive frailty. Vishal assessed his breakthrough season, "I got a total of 4 clean sheets for Rajasthan United during the session, these performances act as a confidence booster for the upcoming schedule.

"We had a dip in the season which gave me extra motivation to save my team from relegation and cement our place in the I-League. I need to enhance my focus for the upcoming season, and I am aiming to give my 100%"

The difference in quality in the leagues

Vishal rose through the ranks and spent a lot of his early career in Delhi League clubs. When asked about the difference in quality between the Delhi League and the I-League, Vishal said, "Of course, there is a huge difference between now and then as the level of leagues is different. But you start from somewhere to reach the top, players are hardworking in both scenarios.

"Although I am very impressed with the Delhi league, it surely can act as a stepping stone as a professional football player."

Bhaskar Roy's ISL switch

Vishal saw his former teammate secure a dream move to ISL Shield Winners Mumbai City FC. He is rooting for a chance to step up to the top-tier league himself, "Bhaskar is a hardworking player who had a great season. I followed him closely while I was injured with a shoulder dislocation.

"Every player has his own journey, but yes which player doesn't want to elevate their career to the next level? I would certainly want to step up to ISL if given the chance."

ISL as a platform for Indian keepers

Vishal voiced his take on the Indian Super League being a platform for Indian goalkeepers to prove their abilities, "It is an excellent platform for Indian players in general, let alone goalkeepers. Times have changed now, there are more opportunities and platforms now, and ISL is the biggest platform to showcase your talent because the ultimate goal is to play for the national team.

"Every year, new goalkeepers are coming which surely says a lot about ISL being a great platform for us."

Thoughts on the I-League format with promotion and relegation?

Vishal spoke on the amended I-League format with promotion and relegation, "I don't see any problem in the format as it’s extra motivation for us to be away from the relegation zone and aim for the top spot to be awarded a promotion to the top league.

"The same system of promotion and relegation is followed everywhere in the world including some of the top leagues which seems to be doing great."

Building on a tenth-place I-League finish with RUFC

A late season slump saw Rajasthan United slip down from an advantageous midfield position to eventually finish in tenth. Vishal assessed the season, "It's not a good place to be, we barely got saved from relegation. We got to keep our chin up and focus on next season.

"We are focusing on the next session, there are areas to improve that we need to work on collectively as a team."

Super Cup Qualifiers heartbreak

Rajasthan United and NEROCA played out a stalemate in regulation time for the Super Cup qualifiers, with RUFC lost out on penalties eventually. Vishal said on the qualifier, "We played 120 minutes of intense football, and the boys played well with hunger and zeal.

"I don't want to hold on to the past, losing and winning is a part of the game. Now the season is finished, I have come to my hometown, currently training at Gold Gym and keeping myself fit over here."

What goals do you want to accomplish in your career?

Vishal spoke on the goals he wants to accomplish in his career, "I have always dreamt to don the Indian national jersey, as I was scouted for Under-23 to play for the nation. I am aiming to represent the senior team now.I want to represent the Indian Football jersey in international competitions and win them."

Goalkeeping idols that you look up to?

Vishal talks about his goalkeeping idols, "I have always looked up to Subrata Paul, as he was a national hero and a great example for kids who are starting their journey as a goalkeeper. I have also liked the personality of Iker Casillas, how he is full of confidence in front of goal. He is a true leader and a captain."