It’s all about mentality, says Diego Forlan

World Cup Golden Ball winner Diego Forlan said it was the right time for India to focus on young players as the country gets ready to host the Fifa U-17 World Cup next year.

“Two things you need to focus on ... Since you are hosting the the U-17 World Cup, it’s important to focus on youngsters. It’s really a good age to form the team in the 15-17 age groups,” Forlan was quoted as saying.

The Uruguay striker, turning out as Mumbai City FC’s marquee player in ISL 3, added, “It’s a good age to make them understand the game, so that the bases are covered. It’s good to have good coaches. If you get a good coach in the national team you can pick good players. There are many talented players but they don’t know how to use it in the proper way.”

Forlan, 37, was named best player of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa as his team reached the semi-finals.

The former Manchester United and Atletico Madrid star has played across the world from South American clubs to top European sides to featuring in the Japanese League.

Asked to pick the talented Indian players in ISL, he showered praise on Mumbai City FC goalkeeper Amrinder Singh, defender Anwar Ali alongside the forward trio of C.K. Vineeth, Jeje Lalpekhula and India captain Sunil Chhetri.

“Amrinder is doing really well. Having an Indian under the bar is really good. He’s done well and has given confidence to the team.

“In the back line, Anwar is standout. There’re also Jeje, Sunil and Vineeth, strong players who know how to keep the ball and score goals. I’m not the coach so can’t say much more.”

Forlan reiterated that it was important to instill the right kind of attitude.

“In Japan or South American you see physically strong players with good qualities but it’s not enough if you do not have the mentality.

“It’s all about mentality. It’s not about the quality always. You have to believe in yourself and not thinking that they’re the best and they are not human or difficult to play against.”

Forlan said in Uruguay they always believed in achieving results despite being a small country.

“We are a small country, we don’t have the best conditions like in Europe but we can play against the best teams and beat them. We know that we have a game when we go there. We don’t feel less than anybody. Our strength is being together and our mentality,” he said.

Hailing from an illustrious football family with grandfather Juan Carlos, a former footballer and manager, and father Pablo Forlan, he said he did not have any extra pressure.

“I just wanted to play football. I don’t see it that way. I was happy to be my father’s son. I had no pressure.”