Senior sports broadcaster John Dykes, who is revered worldwide for his swashbuckling style, has been brilliant with his pre-match and post-match Hero Indian Super League shows on Star Sports. In a Q&A session a couple of days ago in Mumbai, Dykes fielded questions from fans on a variety of subjects. Here are the select few.When asked who amongst the current crop of Indian players he liked the most, he said:Obviously Sunil still leads the way but I've been impressed by Eugeneson, Jackichand & Mandar Rao- @JohnDykesUK https:/t.co/6uhkQkE0CE— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) November 17, 2015The Indian player who he thinks could make it to European leagues…Eugeneson is one who most likely could play in Europe and I think all the goalkeepers would benefit. - @JohnDykesUK https:/t.co/l8FaN8209X— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) November 17, 2015When quizzed on how the Hero ISL compares with the rest of the Asian leagues, his answer was insightful.Difficult to compare because of its unique format but attendances suggest it's a success. -@JohnDykesUK https:/t.co/FwykWTyJDR— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) November 17, 2015Dykes also recognised the progress made by the league since its inaugural edition.The fabulous crowds and the obvious improvement in playing quality from last season to this one. @JohnDykesUK https:/t.co/l5iTwKcvpP— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) November 17, 2015Looking ahead to the future, Dykes stressed the importance of game management.Last season I would have said the finishing but that has improved. Now it's about game-management. - @JohnDykesUK https:/t.co/nBhwkeU5IQ— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) November 17, 2015He also tipped an Indian to bag Golden boot award.I'd love it to be an Indian and @chetrisunil11 is in pole position. - @JohnDykesUK https:/t.co/aZST8Soqsa— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) November 17, 2015Dykes also identified FC Goa as the best club for nurturing Indian talent.Possibly @FCGoaOfficial but the format means you need foreigners. - @JohnDykesUK https:/t.co/fDgjsN1Qcv— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) November 17, 2015Dykes discussed India’s chances of making the World Cup 2022 as well.Unlikely- still a big gap between them and Asia's best but they shld at least be competitive by then -@JohnDykesUK https:/t.co/VU68JuMynD— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) November 17, 2015He also recognized the importance of the 2017 Under-17 World Cup in the development of football in India.It's hugely important as it will require improvement in infrastructure that will then benefit India. - @JohnDykesUK https:/t.co/yCdR0JNd2r— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) November 17, 2015Dykes believes that it’s a special time for football in India and youngsters should seize this opportunity.These are exciting times and you should all embrace what is happening here. #LetsFootball - @JohnDykesUK https:/t.co/IpWePUbJov— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) November 17, 2015When he took over the Hero ISL Facebook page for a while, John Dykes attracted the attention and curiosity of many football enthusiasts. Here are a few excerpts of the Facebook Q&A session:Rahul RS: #AskDykes Is the quality of football in the league reaching that of an international league and could [the] addition of more teams to the league improve the quality of football??The quality is improving all the time but no need to add teams yet as it would dilute the talent pool. Maybe bring in more young international talent like Jonatan Lucca of FC Goa.Appu Augustine: #AskDykes What’s your comment on the terrific atmosphere at Kochi?That has been one of the highlights for me as it shows that India has a genuine football culture.Bikrant Sarma: #AskDykes Can NEUFC make it to semi-finals, seeing their performances till now?Not if they play like the way they did on Sunday.It was pleasing to know that John Dykes could see the promise in the format presented by Hero ISL. He left us on a charming note with a message for the fans..@JohnDykesUK has a message for all those who send in their questions using #AskDykes. https:/t.co/lv1GPWv9RN— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) November 17, 2015
