GUWAHATI, Nov 1 - He may not have featured in any of the Indian Super League (ISL) games so far in this season for Mumbai City FC, however, Assam�s Alen Deory has come up a long way since making his debut in the league way back in 2014.
Alen, who was a part of the NorthEast United FC in the inaugural edition went on to become an instant household name along with Durga Boro as thousands thronged the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Sarusajai to watch the local stars in action. Not only Alen but also the ISL which was launched with much glitz and glamour has had their share of ups and downs since then.
With Mumbai City FC travelling to Guwahati to take on the NorthEast United � currently enjoying a tremendous run, all eyes will be on Alen and another lad from the State Pranjal Bhumij.
In an interview with The Assam Tribune, Alen speaks about his journey so far as well as his immediate goals.
Excerpts from the interview:
The Assam Tribune: You have come up a long way since the first season of ISL kicked off, tell us about your overall experience and how is it different from the other leagues?
Alen Deory: I have played with immensely talented players in different teams from the first season which has helped me understand the game better and improve myself as a player. Every team has a different strategy and different players who want to play in a certain manner and I have improved.
AT: You were perhaps the crowd�s favourite as far as the home matches of the NorthEast United FC were concerned. You would be seen in Mumbai colours this year, what kind of a response do you expect from your fans back here at home?
AD: Even though I haven�t started a game for MCFC this season, I hope everyone appreciates what I bring to the game. People from Assam still keep on asking me why I don�t play in NEUFC but I want to prove my worth elsewhere and I am working hard to rise up the pecking order and show the Mumbaikars and my local fans what I have got.
AT: You have made your way through the national age group teams, how has been the journey so far? Tell us about your experience at Shillong Lajong.
AD: I started by playing for the U-13 India team and then continued to play for the country in U-14, U-16, U-19 and also made a few appearances for the senior team. I had a four-year contract at Lajong and even though I wasn�t given a lot of chances at the beginning but during the last couple of seasons, I was given the chance and I have to credit Shillong Lajong for their faith in me which helped me in getting a contract at Mumbai City FC.
AT: Tell us about the role of your parents in your footballing journey so far and your brother who also happens to be a footballer.
AD: Actually, I wasn�t the first one to start playing in my family. My brother started first. My father was a football player too but had to leave the sport due to financial instability. We used to go to the ground as my father wanted to groom my brother into a player and one day my father gave me a ball to kick and that is where my journey started. I still have support from all my family members and I wanted to fulfil my father�s dream of watching his son turn up for the national team on a regular basis. So, I keep working hard and will do until I achieve my goal.
AT: What would be your main focus in this league?
AD: The last two seasons I played in the ISL, I haven�t scored a single goal. So, this time I want to notch up as many as I can whenever I get the opportunity.
AT: What do you have to say regarding the team?
AD: Everything�s good. From players to management to everyone.
AT: How has been the experience of playing under Stephen Constantine in the national team set up?
AD: It is really tough. He has a very tough fitness regime. Each time we go for a national camp, he makes us run a lot. But, it is good for us. If we�re fit, we�ll be able to take on any team which come our way.