Glan Martins: The Journey to the Top

If someone told you six months back that a certain Glan Martins will be one of India's best performers in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, you would have dismissed it. After all, how would a player who warmed the bench at ATK Mohun Bagan start for India in midfield and play a significant role?

Believe it or not, that is exactly what Glan Martins has done. The rise and rise of the Goan in the past six months has been phenomenal. Within a span of one year, the midfielder has gone from playing in the I-League to bossing the midfield against the likes of Qatar and Bangladesh. It wasn't always this easy for him, though.

As a 16-year old in 2010, Martins joined the famed SESA Football Academy in Goa where he started honing his skills. The academy was famous for developing many players who would go on to represent the nation at the highest level, and Martins was on the same path. His performances in the Goa Professional League were impressive and videos of the same were shared with a few United Soccer League (second division of American soccer) sides. He flew to Florida to participate in trials, but wasn't able to convince any club to sign him. "I was the only one to go from the academy, a great learning experience. It was really disappointing to have missed out," Martins said in an interview.

Upon his return, he signed a long-term contract with Sporting Clube de Goa. He made his debut in the I-League for the Flaming Orange and played two seasons in India's top division. Unfortunately, the club decided to withdraw from the I-League and Martins had no other choice but to honor his contract with the club. He continued playing in the Goa Pro League but had his eyes on bigger things.

It all changed for him when he signed for Churchill Brothers FC before the 2019-20 season. An impressive season saw ATK Mohun Bagan come calling for his signature for the 2020/21 ISL season.

However, he was unable to get sufficient game-time while playing for the Mariners. Once again, the tides were about to turn in his favour as he made the move to FC Goa in the January transfer window.

What happened next was simply fascinating. Martins found himself in the midfield with Edu Bedia, playing almost all of the games for FC Goa. He even managed to score the Fans' Goal of the Season courtesy of his screamer against Mumbai City FC. His composure and passing in the midfield earned him plaudits but the best was yet to come.

Not many gave FC Goa a chance in the AFC Champions League, scheduled to happen in April. With only four foreigners allowed in the lineup, the onus was on the Indians to propel the team. If one Indian has to be singled out for having the maximum impact, it would be Glan Martins. He put up multiple strong displays against the might of the West Asian teams and controlled the midfield. Martins's performances helped the Gaurs avoid a last-place finish in the group.

Impressed by the midfielder, national team coach Igor Stimac called him up for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers matches. On 3rd June, the Goan's dream came true when he donned the Indian jersey against Qatar. His workload was in focus as he was all over the ground, linking up the defense with the attack.

The next match against Bangladesh earned him widespread appreciation as he was a key part of the 2-0 victory. His stats from the game speak volumes about his contribution to the team. He recorded a 95% passing accuracy, made eight ball interceptions and 18 challenges, in addition to 12 ball recoveries and 6 tackles. The best part about his game, though, was the tremendous fitness level he seemed to be endowed with. All eyes will be on him once again when India takes on Afghanistan in a crucial encounter on Tuesday.

Glan Martins has worked hard on his way to the top. All of it has born fruit as he is living his dream on the biggest stage. The work is not yet finished, though. India need a draw against Afghanistan to finish third in their group in the ongoing Qualifiers, which will send them through to the final round of the Asian Cup 2023 qualifiers. The fans will expect Martins to put in another excellent shift when the Blue Tigers take on Afghanistan, and the midfielder will hope to deliver the goods.