Subrata Paul has been a role model for me, reveals Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

India’s first-choice goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu recently stated that Subrata Paul, his predecessor in the national squad is like a ‘role model’ to him and feels ‘lucky’ to have trained alongside him. Both were part of India’s 2011 AFC Asian Cup assignment, which unfortunately was not a happy outing for them. While Paul was started in the playing XI in the event back then, Sandhu was also a part of the squad.

"Subrata-bhai has been one of my role models when I was starting out. I was lucky to have been able to train with him. The things he did, and still does in training -- I wished I could do the same and tried to replicate them when I was young,” said Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, as reported by newsindianexpress.com.

"The team of Asian Cup 2011 consisted of so many iconic names in Indian football, including Subrata-bhai, who was simply excellent. I was the youngest player in the team then, and he was the perfect example for me to learn from,” added the custodian.

The Bengaluru FC star further highlighted his technical abilities and feels that Paul's determination and commitment for the game is ‘admirable,’ and there’s a lot that the youngsters can learn from him. Subrata Paul played for Jamshedpur FC in the 2019-20 Indian Super League.

"We have all seen how good Subrata-bhai is technically. He has been a role model for all aspiring keepers in the last decade-and-a-half. He is such a strong character mentality wise as well and his determination and commitment towards the team are really admirable,” concluded Sandhu.