‘Anything is possible’ – Striker on ‘unbelievable feeling’ after earning Spurs debut

Dilan Markanday has described earning his Tottenham first-team debut as an ‘unbelievable feeling’ and believes his story can inspire young Asian footballers to achieve their dreams at the top level.

The 20-year-old came off the bench for Tottenham for the final 15 minutes of their Europa Conference League defeat to Vitesse Arnhem on Thursday evenning and made history in the process – becoming the first ever British Asian and player of Indian descent to play for the club’s first team in a competitive fixture.

Although Spurs weren’t able to secure a positive European result, Markanday has admitted he is grateful that he was able to rewrite the club’s history books and hopes he can inspire footballers of Asian descent to make the leap to achieve their dreams in football.

In an interview with the club’s website, he said: “It means a lot to be honest – to be the first is a great feeling, but more so I hope it inspires all young Asian footballers to go and chase their dreams because anything is possible if you put your mind to it and work for it.

“For me, it was an unbelievable feeling to make my debut for this great club, a moment I’ve been working towards and dreaming about since I was a young boy. For it to come true was a special feeling, one that me and my family are very proud of.

“I’m very grateful to the manager for putting his trust in me in that moment and also to my close family and friends who have been there in good times and bad times throughout my journey so far.

“Their support has been amazing and I’m lucky to have them, and also the staff from the Academy… some of them have known me since the age of 12 and others I’ve known more recently, but they all give everything to this club and help the boys improve every single day.

“Ultimately it’s for moments like this, for players like myself to go, push on and try to become part of the first team.”

Markanday replaced fellow youngster Dane Scarlett against the Dutch outfit and slotted into the centre-forward position, and he was not afraid to try take the game by the scruff of its neck.

The forward admitted he was nervous before entering the field of play, but quickly shook them off with Spurs looking to get back into the game.

“I was a little bit nervous when I was told I was coming on, but those nerves turned to excitement very quickly,” Markanday added. “I just wanted to get out there and do my best for the team.

“I just want to continue working hard and keep progressing now. It’s important to work hard, believe in myself and hopefully any further opportunities will happen in their own time.”

The forward continued his impressive week by scoring a brace in the Under-23’s 3-1 win against Manchester City yesterday afternoon.

Spurs Web Opinion

Result aside, this was such a momentous occasion for Markanday and his family, as he was able to write his name in the Spurs history books.

He is such an impressive young talent, and there is no doubt that his story will inspire children of Asian descent to get into football and push to play at the highest level like he is doing.

Keep up to date with all the latest Tottenham news and opinion by following SpursWeb’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

Related Topics

Have something to tell us about this article? Let us know