Danish Farooq Bhat: JSW Bangalore FC Fans' Favourite

    Danish Farooq Bhat is one of the most beloved football icons in India. He is known as the ace footballer of Kashmir Valley and is on a steep march to success. On March 7, 2022, the 25-year-old was voted Bengaluru FC Fans’ Player of the Season, bettering the standard set by teammates like India star striker Sunil Chhetri

    The Ace Footballer of Kashmir Valley Image credit: pia.images.co.uk The Ace Footballer of Kashmir Valley

     

    Danish posted the news on his Instagram handle "danishbhat09," and the Jammu & Kashmir Football Association, JKSC, NIFF, among others who have congratulated him on his success. On March 8, 2022, he was named in India's provisional 38-member senior squad for the upcoming international friendlies in Bahrain.

    Key Player for Team India 

    Football India Coach, Igor Štimac put Danish Farooq Bhat name (along with that of Anwar Ali) in the squad.Danish Farooq Bhat  spent his early years playing for the J&K Bank football academy, where he helped bring in as many as 12 titles. Soon after, he grabbed a spot in Lonestar Kashmir in the I-League second division, before switching to Real Kashmir a season later. His transfer to Bengaluru FC played out after five years which was a big win for head coach Marco Pezzaiuoli. He said, “Danish has the experience of playing in many positions; as a striker, a winger and gives us a lot of options in attack. He’s a good character, has gelled well with the team, and his style of football gives the team a bit of technical quality. Danish was the captain of one of his previous teams, and also brings a bit of his leadership onto the pitch."

    Star of Indian Super League 

    Danish Farooq Bhat impeccable form in the country's top tier football league, Indian Super League (ISL), further increased his popularity. He took a transfer from Real Kashmir FC to Bengaluru towards the beginning of 2022 and became one of the best players in the latest edition of ISL. Besides scoring goals, he showed caliber in his assists as well. In addition, he actively assisted the defense when required. In the 17 matches played, he scored three goals and had two assist's which solidified his position in Bengaluru FC starting XI. India coach Štimac was impressed at Danish's all-around performance in the 2022 season considering his work rate, and defensive/offensive gameplay.

    Furthermore, Danish attempted 66 tackles and secured around 20 passes per game. He also pulled off 16 blocks and eight interceptions in 1080 minutes of an intense match. Regarding his potential inclusion into the Indian team, Danish has resolved to try his best to be named in the squad. He revealed, "I was hoping for it after having a good season in ISL. I am happy and thank Allah for giving me a chance to play at the highest level,"

    Danish further added, "It is a first step towards achieving the ultimate dream of making it to the Indian National team. I will try my best to impress the coach." Danish is grateful to all his supporters who have been motivating him through the years. Without the support of my parents and supporters, I wouldn't have been able to achieve all this," he said.

     

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