Jamshedpur FC, on Wednesday, announced that they have completed the capture of 18-year-old centre-back, Narender Gahlot from Indian Arrows. In doing so, the youngster became the sixth new entrant in Cesar Ferrando’s squad following earlier arrivals of Joyner Lourenco, Keegan Pereira, Francisco Medina Luna, Noe Acosta and Niraj Kumar.

The youngster attended the Chandigarh Football Academy and began playing as a midfielder there. Turning to the centre-back role on advice of his coach, Narender immediately impressed and has ever since, played in that position.

He was selected for the India U-17 squad that participated at the 2017 FIFA World Cup after impressing in a practice match playing for the Sports Authority of India (SAI). After the tournament, the youngster moved to the Indian Arrows, where his reputation skyrocketed with every outing in the Hero I-League.

The center-back made 10 appearances for the Arrows in the season gone by and was even part of the India U-23 squad for the AFC U-23 Championship qualifiers held in March. His performances have been so noteworthy and eye-catching that the Blue Tigers head coach, Igor Stimac named the 18-year-old in the 35-man preliminary Indian squad for the upcoming Hero Intercontinental Cup.

Just as comfortable playing at left-back, Narender is a modern-day defender who likes having the ball at his feet. Ferrando’s style of play and philosophy will suit him, as will operating besides experienced Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) campaigners like Tiri.

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