Jules aiming to become India's best footballer

Jules Alberto Dias has always believed in hard work and it's no wonder that this quality has propelled him at the top. After shining at the school and college level consistently, Jules was picked for the Goa under-16 side. An effective performance for the state team opened the doors for more challenging prospects which saw the Goan lad play for MPT for two years and Salgaocar for four years. After striking a lethal combination with Bruno Coutinho for four years, Jules moved to greener pastures and joined Mumbai's Mahindra United. More success has come Jules' way after he proved his worth at the international level by being a part of India's pre-world cup campaign last season. The hard working medio has recently earned the Best Player award at the 114th Durand Cup, which Mahindra won by beating Churchill Bros 5-0 in Delhi.
Jules, who is in Goa representing Mahindras at the National Football League, while speaking to The Navhind Times revealed that he wants to emulate David Beckham of Manchester United and set his sights at becoming the best Indian footballer.

Following are the excerpts of the interview.

Q. How did you feel when you were declared the best player at the Durand Cup?
A. It was a very satisfying moment as I was instrumental in helping my team win the Durand Cup. Also it gave me immense pleasure for being associated with one of the oldest soccer tournaments in the country.

Q. Do you think you are playing the best soccer of your life at the moment?
A. Not exactly. I am working hard at improving my game and one good performance never satisfies me. There is a still a lot of scope for improvement and I feel that my best is yet to come.

Q. How does it feel being the part of a star-studded team?
A. I am lucky to be a part of Mahindra United as it has given me a lot of confidence and I feel honoured to share the same bench that has players who have represented the country. The presence of stars in the team brings the best out of me as there is always a healthy competition among the players.

Q. Now that you have become a bit more popular after your exploits in the Durand Cup, do you feel the pressure of performing every time you take the field?
A. Yes. The expectations have certainly gone up after the success in Durand Cup. But as a professional, the pressure of performing has always been there and I tend to enjoy my game and concentrate on what is expected of me, allowing the rest to take care of itself.

Q. It is said that physical fitness leads to mental toughness. Your thoughts.
A. Not always. There are a few chosen ones who are blessed with natural physique and mental toughness. Being physically and fit and mentally strong are two contrasting aspects. Sometimes a player who has the best physique may struggle to perform under adverse conditions while someone with an average physique may click under trying circumstances. So it's just a matter of both clicking at the same time.

Q. Don't you think there is too much of soccer being played these days?
A. One cannot complain about it as it is a part and parcel of modern football.

Q. What are your major plans for the future?
A. I haven't planned anything big at the moment. I believe in taking things as they come. However, my aim is to become the best Indian footballer and I am working hard at achieving this.

Q. As a footballer, what changes would you like the administrators to bring about to improve the standard of Indian football, which at the moment seem to be below world standards?
A. I think the All India Football Federation would do well to concentrate on tapping talent at the grass root level. I can tell you for sure that there are some fine players waiting in the wings in the under-19 and under-16 level. I feel sorry for the footballers graduating from the Tata Football Academy who are on the verge of stagnation for lack of opportunities. There is no point in spending lakhs of rupees on foreigners when we have a store of talent knocking the doors of major clubs. I also feel that the AIFF should restrict the number of imports from the current four to two as it would allow the Indian players to make an entry in the team and prove their mettle.