CHENNAI: The Indian Super League will take another step forward on Saturday, this time in faraway West Bromwich in England. For the first time, an ISL club will take on an English Premier League outfit, when Delhi Dynamos play West Brom at the Hawthorns on Saturday.
“It is a proud moment for Delhi Dynamos to be the first ever Indian club to play a match against a Premier League side, and also the first ISL side to play in the birthplace of football — England,” club president Prashant Agarwal told Express. “Indian football is a progressive industry, the world is watching us and we at Delhi Dynamos believe in rising to the occasion and establishing our presence.”
Adding even more glitz to the match is West Brom’s announcement that the club’s latest signing from Tottenham Hostspurs, Nacer Chadli, will be making his debut in the match. “Chadli will use the opportunity of the international break to get vital minutes under his belt for the Baggies. Fellow new-boy Allan Nyom, who arrived on deadline day, will also start against the Indian Super League side,” West Brom said in a release.
The club also confirmed that first team regulars like Boaz Myhill, Craig Dawson, Jonas Olsson, Craig Gardner and Matt Phillips will be in the matchday squad.
For Delhi, the match will be an opportunity to test themselves against a team from one of the best leagues in the world, a view that new signing Bruno Pelissari echoed. “It is very exciting to be training in UK. The facilities here are great, and it is helping the players a lot,” Pelissari, who won the ISL with Chennaiyin, said.
“The Premier League is the best league in the world, and to be able to play a practice match against West Brom is a great opportunity for us, as it would help us know what it actually is to be playing at the top level. It is very motivating, and the entire squad is looking forward to it.”