Reviewing Footballers at 16:53, 1 February 2022

2022-02-01T16:53:24Z

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{{short description|Indian association football player}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2018}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Dheeraj Singh
| image =
| image_size =
| caption =
| fullname = Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|2000|7|4|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Manipur]], India
| height = 1.84m<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem profile - Goals, Passes and more|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/players/goalkeeper-33956-dheeraj-singh-moirangthem-profile|access-date=2021-01-21|website=Indian Super League|language=en}}</ref>
| currentclub = [[FC Goa|FC Goa]]
| clubnumber = 1
| position = [[Goalkeeper (association football)|Goalkeeper]]
| youthyears1 =
| youthclubs1 = [[AIFF Elite Academy]]
| years1 = 2017
| clubs1 = [[Indian Arrows]]
| caps1 = 6
| goals1 = 0
| years2 = 2018–2019
| clubs2 = [[Kerala Blasters FC|Kerala Blasters]]
| caps2 = 13
| goals2 = 0
| years3 = 2019–2020
| clubs3 = [[ATK (football club)|ATK]]
| caps3 = 1
| goals3 = 0
| years4 = 2020–2021
| clubs4 = [[ATK Mohun Bagan FC|ATK Mohun Bagan]]
| caps4 = 0
| goals4 = 0
| years5 = 2021–
| clubs5 = [[FC Goa|Goa]]
| caps5 = 9
| goals5 = 0
| nationalyears1 = 2015–2017
| nationalteam1 = [[India national under-17 football team|India U17]]
| nationalcaps1 = 18
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 2019–
| nationalteam2 = [[India national under-23 football team|India U23]]
| nationalcaps2 = 3
| nationalgoals2 = 0
| club-update = 24 February 2021
| ntupdate = 02 April 2019
}}

'''Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem''' (born 4 July 2000) is an Indian professional [[association football|footballer]] who plays as a [[goalkeeper (association football)|goalkeeper]] for [[FC Goa|FC Goa]] in the [[Indian Super League]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Warrier|first=Sajith B.|date=2021-01-16|title=ISL Transfer Watch: FC Goa rope in Dheeraj Singh on a long-term deal|url=https://www.mykhel.com/football/isl-transfer-watch-fc-goa-rope-in-dheeraj-singh-on-a-long-term-deal-159589.html|access-date=2021-01-21|website=My Khel|language=en}}</ref> He gained fame for his performance at the [[2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup]] held in India.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/football/article/isl-kerala-blasters-sign-u-17-world-cup-goalkeeping-sensation-dheeraj-singh-on-a-permanent-deal/235032|title=ISL: Kerala Blasters sign U-17 World Cup goalkeeping sensation Dheeraj Singh on a permanent deal {{!}} FootballNews|website=www.timesnownews.com|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-04-23}}</ref>

==Club career==

=== Early life and career ===
Born in [[Manipur]], Dheeraj was part of the [[AIFF Elite Academy]] batch that was preparing for the [[2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup]] to be hosted in India.<ref name="U17">{{cite news|last1=Selvaraj|first1=Jonathan|title=How 14,000 became 21: The story of India's history boys|url=http://www.espn.in/football/u-17-world-cup/story/3218395/how-14,000-became-21-the-story-of-indias-history-boys|access-date=29 November 2017|work=ESPN.in|date=3 October 2017}}</ref> After the tournament, Singh was selected to play for the [[Indian Arrows]], an [[All India Football Federation]]-owned team that would consist of [[India national under-20 football team|India under-20]] players to give them playing time.<ref>{{cite news|title=Matos Names 25-member Indian Arrows Squad for Hero I-league 2017-18|url=https://www.the-aiff.com/news-center-details.htm?id=8674|access-date=29 November 2017|work=The All India Football Federation|date=29 November 2017}}</ref> He made his professional debut for the side in the Arrow's first match of the season against [[Chennai City F.C.|Chennai City]]. He started and kept the clean sheet as Indian Arrows won 3–0.<ref>{{cite web|title=Indian Arrows 3-0 Chennai City|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2017/11/29/india/i-league/aiff-xi/chennai-city/2683965/?ICID=PL_MS_04|website=Soccerway}}</ref> On 31 December 2017 he ended his contract with the AIFF to attend trials in Europe, beginning with [[Motherwell F.C.|Motherwell]] in the [[Scottish Premiership]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/football/indian-i-league/story/3330358/i-league-dheeraj-singh-quits-indian-arrows-to-pursue-opportunities-in-europe|title=Dheeraj Singh quits Indian Arrows to pursue opportunities in Europe|date=2017-12-31|website=ESPN.com|language=en|access-date=2019-04-23}}</ref>

===Kerala Blasters===
Dheeraj represented [[Kerala Blasters FC|Kerala Blasters]] in the [[2018–19 Indian Super League season]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kerala Blasters - Squad 2018/2019|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/teams/kerala-blasters/2019/2/|access-date=2021-01-20|website=worldfootball.net|language=en}}</ref> He was the first choice goalkeeper for the club. Dheeraj played his first match for the club on 29 September 2018 in the opening fixture of the 2018-19 Indian Super League season against ATK which ended 0-2 to the Blasters.<ref>{{Cite web|title=ATK v Kerala Blasters Match Report, 29/09/18, Indian Super League {{!}} Goal.com|url=https://www.goal.com/en-in/match/atk-v-kerala-blasters/ezmilhnawgq01fodotsdhrhm|access-date=2021-01-20|website=www.goal.com}}</ref> He played 13 league matches and one Super Cup match with the club.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dheeraj Singh|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/dheeraj-singh/|access-date=2021-01-20|website=worldfootball.net|language=en}}</ref> He pulled off some miraculous saves earning praises from different managers. His stunning performance in the season for [[Kerala Blasters FC|Blasters]] earned him place in the [[India national under-23 football team|India U23 National Team]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Marar|first=Nandakumar|title=Dheeraj Singh — preparing in earnest for career breakthrough|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/indian-football-dheeraj-singh-mdfa-isl-kerala-blasters-india-u-23s/article27039549.ece|access-date=2021-01-20|website=Sportstar|language=en}}</ref>

===ATK===
After an impressive season for Kerala Blasters, Dheeraj signed for Indian Super League side [[ATK (football club)|ATK]] for the 2019-20 season.<ref>{{Cite web|title=ATK - Squad 2019/2020|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/teams/atk/2020/2/|access-date=2021-01-20|website=worldfootball.net|language=en}}</ref> He played just one match for ATK throughout the campaign as he was charted on the lineup on 22 February 2020 for the match against Bengaluru FC which ended in 2-2 draw.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bengaluru v ATK Starting XIs, 22/02/20, Indian Super League {{!}} Goal.com|url=https://www.goal.com/en-in/match/bengaluru-v-atk/lineups/8cm3fhn28zx8bqgj44j11mmwa|access-date=2021-01-20|website=www.goal.com}}</ref> He has also signed a football sponsorship deal with [[Puma (brand)|PUMA]].

=== ATK Mohun Bagan ===
After the merger of ATK with [[Mohun Bagan]], Dheeraj signed for [[ATK Mohun Bagan FC|ATK Mohun Bagan]] for the [[2020–21 Indian Super League season|2020-21 Indian Super League Season]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=ATK Mohun Bagan FC - Squad 2020/2021|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/teams/atk-mohun-bagan-fc/2021/2/|access-date=2021-01-20|website=worldfootball.net|language=en}}</ref>

=== Goa ===
On 15 January 2021, it was announced that Dheeraj has signed a three year deal with [[FC Goa|Goa]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-01-15|title=FC Goa sign Dheeraj as keeper Nawaz stalls on new deal|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/fc-goa-sign-dheeraj-as-keeper-nawaz-stalls-on-new-deal/articleshow/80273672.cms|access-date=2021-01-15|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> He made his debut for Goa on 29 November against [[SC East Bengal]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=29 January 2021|title=ISL 2020-21 highlights, FCG vs SCEB: 10-man Goa hangs on for draw against SC East Bengal|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/isl/isl-news/fcg-vs-sceb-fc-goa-vs-sc-east-bengal-indian-super-league-live-score-streaming-updates/article33695508.ece|website=Sportstar|access-date=29 January 2021}}</ref>

He was named in [[AFC Champions League]] team of matchday for his performance against [[Al-Rayyan SC]] on 14 April 2021, where he kept a cleansheet. He again kept a cleansheet in a match against [[Al Wahda FC (UAE)|Al Wahda FC]] on 17 April.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Barve|first=Ameya|date=2021-04-21|title=Despite loss, FC Goa celebrate first goal in AFC Champions League|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/sports/football/fc-goa-celebrate-first-goal-in-afc-champions-league-699434|access-date=2021-04-21|website=www.indiatvnews.com|language=en}}</ref> Dheeraj won the [https://iftwc.com/dheeraj-singh-i-want-to-improve-more/ man of the match award] in a match against [[Persepolis F.C.|Persepolis F.C]] on 20 April.<ref>{{Cite news|last=IANS|date=2021-04-20|title=ACL: FC Goa on a real high, says rival team Persepolis FC coach|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/sports/acl-fc-goa-on-a-real-high-says-rival-team-persepolis-fc-coach-121041900830_1.html|access-date=2021-04-21}}</ref> He has emerged as the best goalkeeper in the group league round of the [[AFC Champions League]] even though his side failed to advance to the knockouts in its maiden appearance. He made a whopping 26 saves in five matches to top the goalkeeping chart of the West Zone group league stage. “Dheeraj Singh certainly made a name for himself on his continental debut, pulling off a tournament-leading 26 saves in just five games, among them a number of memorable efforts that earned high praise from impressed observers,” the [[Asian Football Confederation|AFC]] said on its website.<ref>[https://www.thehindu.com/sport/other-sports/afc-champions-league-fc-goa-keeper-dheeraj-tops-chart/article34492424.ece AFC Champions League: FC Goa keeper Dheeraj tops chart] ''The Hindu''. 6 May 2021</ref>

==International==
=== India U17 ===
Dheeraj represented the [[India national under-17 football team|India U17]] side that participated in the [[2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup]] which was hosted in India.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup: India announce final 21-member squad {{!}} Goal.com|url=https://www.goal.com/en-qa/news/u17-world-cup-india-squad-21-member-announced/d0q7h2rih8va1btgvns0s8et2|access-date=2021-01-20|website=www.goal.com}}</ref> He was the first choice goalkeeper and played all three group matches that India had. Even though he couldn't keep a clean sheet in any of the World Cup games, he was highly praised by fans and various managers for his technique and skills.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Quint|first=The|date=2019-11-07|title=Remember U-17 Star Dheeraj Singh? He’s Made It to the Big Leagues!|url=https://www.thequint.com/sports/football/indian-football-goalkeeper-dheeraj-singh-profile-from-u17-to-senior-team|access-date=2021-01-20|website=TheQuint|language=en}}</ref>

=== India U23 ===
Even though he could earn a place in the U23 Indian National team.<ref>{{Cite web|title=U23 Men|url=https://www.the-aiff.com/national-team/men/u23|access-date=2021-01-20|website=All India Football Federation}}</ref> Dheeraj was again the first choice goalkeeper for [[India national under-23 football team|India U23]] for the [[2020 AFC U-23 Championship qualification|2020 AFC U-23 Championship qualifiers]]. He earned his spot in the team after a brilliant season with the [[Kerala Blasters FC|Kerala Blasters]] in the [[2018–19 Indian Super League|2018-19 ISL Season]]. He made his debut against Qatar U23 in an international friendly preparatory match for the [[2020 AFC U-23 Championship qualification|2019 AFC U23 Championship Qualifiers]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=12 March 2019|title=AFC U-23 Championship Qualifiers: India U-23 go down to Qatar in friendly|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/afc-u-23-championship-qualifiers-india-u-23-go-down-to-qatar-in-friendly|access-date=20 January 2021|website=Sportskeeda}}</ref>

==Career statistics==
''As of 27 April 2021''<ref>{{Cite web|title=India - D. Singh - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/dheeraj-singh--moirangthem/513894/|access-date=2021-01-20|website=int.soccerway.com}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|-
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season
! colspan="3" |League
! colspan="2" |Cup
! colspan="2" |Continental
! colspan="2" |Total
|-
!Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="1"|[[Indian Arrows]]
|[[2017–18 Indian Arrows season|2017–18]]
|[[2017–18 I-League|I-League]]
|6||0||0||0||—||—||6||0
|-
|rowspan="1"|[[Kerala Blasters]]
|[[2018–19 Kerala Blasters FC season|2018–19]]
| rowspan="4" |[[2018–19 Indian Super League|Indian Super League]]
|13||0||1||0||—||—||14||0
|-
|rowspan="1"|[[ATK (football club)|ATK]]
|[[2019–20 Indian Super League season|2019–20]]
|1||0||0||0||—||—||1||0
|-
|[[ATK Mohun Bagan FC|ATK Mohun Bagan]]
|[[2020–21 Indian Super League season|2020–21]]
|0||0||0||0||—||—||0||0
|-
|[[FC Goa|Goa]]
|[[2020–21 Indian Super League season|2020–21]]
|9||0||0||0||5<ref group="lower-alpha" name="AFC1">Appearances in the [[AFC Champions League]]</ref>||0||14||0
|-
! colspan="3" |Career total
!29!!0!!1!!0!!5!!0!!35!!0
|}

;Notes
{{Reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{FC Goa squad}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Moirangthem, Dheeraj Singh}}
[[Category:2000 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Manipur]]
[[Category:Indian footballers]]
[[Category:AIFF Elite Academy players]]
[[Category:Indian Arrows players]]
[[Category:Association football goalkeepers]]
[[Category:Footballers from Manipur]]
[[Category:I-League players]]
[[Category:India youth international footballers]]
[[Category:Indian Super League players]]
[[Category:Kerala Blasters FC players]]
[[Category:FC Goa players]]
[[Category:ATK (football club) players]]
[[Category:ATK Mohun Bagan FC players]]

Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem - Revision history

Reviewing Footballers at 16:53, 1 February 2022