Pro League | Pawan & Danneberg — two 21-year-olds to look out for in future goalkeeping battles

The duo have shone and impressed as much for their temperament and potential as their performances

The two days so far at the FIH Pro League ‘mini tournament’ here have seen two 21-year-olds shine and impress as much for their temperament and potential as their performances. The fact that both of them are goalkeepers — India’s Pawan Malik and Jean-Paul Danneberg for Germany — is the only thing common between them, though.

Pawan has played a big team before — against Netherlands in an away game last year — and in front of big crowds at home (the 2021 Junior World Cup) but never together. Danneberg, meanwhile, starred in Germany’s World Cup triumph just over a month back in a packed Bhubaneswar stadium, becoming an instant hero for his shootout exploits in the final against Belgium.

Friday’s clash against Germany was only Pawan’s second game at this level while Danneberg has been with the German side for quite a while, despite limited game time. The youngster from Hisar, Haryana, has been part of some big events but admitted the step-up to senior level is a big one.

“We have played a lot as juniors, but the level here is very different, very high. The ball possession, ball rotation and speed from the opposition teams is all at a completely different level. Playing here was a big lesson in how to handle pressure in match situations at this level,” the lanky youngster said.

Being in camps with the likes of Sreejesh and Krishan Pathak has helped a lot. “He has a lot of experience, almost as much as my age! But he always keeps helping and advising, during the tournament and in camps also, he keeps giving tips on handling pressure and improving our game and it was a proud moment to play with him.

“Yes there was some pressure before the match began, but there were also positive vibes playing at home and seniors also helped. I was worried a bit but also enjoyed the moment,” Pawan said. 

For Danneberg, man-of-the-match in his team’s victory over Australia on Saturday, getting to play an entire match was important in proving himself beyond the shootouts.