FC Goa custodian Dheeraj Singh's efforts against Al Rayyan under the sticks got due recognition as the young custodian has been named in the best XI of AFC Champions League matchday one by the AFC (Asian Football Confederation).
This feat is commendable under any circumstances but given that Dheeraj was a benchwarmer during the first phase of the 2020-21 season with ATK Mohun Bagan, this achievement assumes more significance.
In fact, he had played just once in 2020. That would have certainly dented the confidence of a keeper who has been always been regarded as a player with huge potential since his performance in the FIFA U17 World Cup in 2017 and subsequently with Indian Arrows and Kerala Blasters.