Jamshedpur FC youngster Mohammed Sanan opens up on playing against top PL clubs and national team ambitions

Mohammed Sanan has been in sublime form for the Red Miners.

Jamshedpur FC’s poster boy, Mohammed Sanan, has been in scintillating form, emerging as a pivotal figure in Khalid Jamil’s setup. As the Red Miners inch closer to closing the gap with table-toppers Mohun Bagan, Sanan’s attacking prowess has been instrumental in their pursuit of the ISL Shield.

The 20-year-old from Malappuram, Kerala, has not only been a consistent goal contributor but has also put on a stellar display of attacking brilliance, making him one of the league’s most exciting prospects.

In an exclusive interview with Khel Now, Sanan opens up about his time at Jamshedpur FC, the surreal experience of facing top English clubs at such a young age, his aspirations to clinch the ISL Emerging Player Award, and his ultimate dream of representing the Indian national team.

His journey is nothing short of inspiring, a testament to hard work, dedication, and an unyielding passion for the sport. Stay tuned as we dive deep into the story of a rising star who could be the next big thing in Indian football.

On playing against top Premier League clubs & scoring his debut ISL goal

When Mohammed Sanan was asked about his experience of playing against top Premier League clubs like Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton at just 20 years of age, he described it as one of the most surreal and transformative moments of his career.

He emphasized that the exposure to such high-calibre teams provided invaluable insights, not just in terms of technical skill but also in understanding the elite mentality required to compete at the highest level. Playing against some of the world’s finest athletes was a learning curve that helped shape his growth as a footballer. His time in the Reliance Football Development League, where he had the opportunity to compete against top European clubs, has been a stepping stone in his journey.

Sanan feels, “It is very important to play with the best. At the young age of 20, when you get to play against such top-class players, the experience is amazing. Your individual performance also evolves with time when you compete against such top athletes.”

Reflecting on his debut ISL goal against the reigning Shield winners, Mohun Bagan, Sanan described it as nothing short of miraculous—a moment of divine intervention. He admitted that nerves were running high as he stepped onto the pitch for his first ISL start, but when he unleashed that stunning strike in the sixth minute, it felt almost unreal. The sheer joy and disbelief of scoring against one of the league’s biggest teams made it an unforgettable milestone in his young but promising career.

His chemistry with Khalid Jamil & national team ambitions

When Mohammed Sanan was asked about the impact of having an experienced Indian coach like Khalid Jamil, he acknowledged that it has been a significant advantage. He emphasized that the absence of a communication barrier allows for a seamless exchange of ideas and instructions, making it easier for players to understand and execute the coach’s vision.

Sanan described Jamil as an incredible mentor, someone who is highly demanding on the field but a completely different personality off it. He admires the coach’s ability to push his players to their limits while also being approachable and understanding beyond the pitch.

He said, “Khalid sir is a very different person on and off the field. Having someone like him really makes things easier for me. But he is really demanding at times and that’s what makes him extract the best from the players.”

When asked about his aspirations to play for the Indian national team, Sanan expressed that it is the ultimate dream for any Indian footballer. However, he prefers to stay grounded and focus on the present. His immediate priority is to contribute to Jamshedpur FC’s success and help the team climb the ISL points table. He believes that rather than rushing his journey, he must remain fully committed to his performances at the club level, trusting that national team opportunities will follow when the time is right.

Sanan discards the notion of Indian players being in their comfort zone

When Mohammed Sanan was asked whether Indian players become too comfortable in the Indian Super League and if that hinders their ambition to move abroad, he acknowledged that while this perception exists, it is not entirely accurate. He believes that the mindset surrounding Indian football needs to evolve. While he was fortunate enough to play for Reliance, which opened doors for him to compete at a high level from a young age, he argues that the ISL itself plays a crucial role in shaping the future of Indian footballers.

Sanan highlighted that the ISL provides a golden opportunity for young players from diverse and often overlooked regions of the country to showcase their talent on a grand stage. It serves as a level playing field for aspiring footballers across the nation, allowing them to compete at an elite level and attract global attention.

He strongly believes that rather than limiting players to their comfort zones, the ISL acts as a launchpad for many, helping them develop their skills, gain exposure, and eventually make a mark on the international stage.

Can Sanan win the ISL Emerging Player Award?

When Mohammed Sanan was asked about the allure of big-money contracts that often sway young players away from focusing on game time and development, he was unequivocal in his stance. He firmly stated that he would always prioritize a team that offers him more playing time and opportunities over one that simply offers a lucrative paycheck. For Sanan, football has always been about the love of the game, and he believes that money is transient, whereas the chance to train, improve, and play consistently is invaluable.

Sanan says, “Money will come and go. But growing up, the only thing I loved was playing football. I would, any day, sign for a team that would give me more game time and opportunities.”

Regarding his ambitions and the prospect of winning the ISL Emerging Player award, Sanan admitted that he has the belief and instinct to achieve such recognition. However, he remains steadfast in his philosophy of focusing on the present. His priority is to give his best for Jamshedpur FC, trusting that accolades and honours will follow naturally.

Sanan was also asked to rate himself across key attributes. He gave himself a 7/10 in pace, 6.5/10 in dribbling, 5/10 in shooting, and 5/10 in passing. When questioned about his humble self-assessment, he responded with honesty and pragmatism, stating that if he were already exceptional in all areas, he would be competing at the international level. He emphasized that he is still in the process of growing as a footballer and is determined to keep evolving, with the ultimate goal of playing at the highest levels of the sport.

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