Steven Dias, this 170cm tall and 58kg weighty footballer may certainly not appear muscular as much as necessary to be classified in the category of a modern day footballer. But this tall and robust has lashed out all these popular basic cognitive process. Through the hard work this Mumbaikar, Steven Dias has made his mark at the ONGC Nehru Cup football tournament.

The turns up crosses made by him have been the most enjoyable part of the Indian show at the five-nation meet. In this show they have made it to the summit clash for the first time. Steven Dias, also called as the pint size dynamo, with the execution speed of an antelope has been guarding the right wing. He has thus managed to seize and throw down the opponents with heart seldom associated with Indian footballers. Steven Dias, besides on a regular basis flowing the strike duo of Bhiachung Bhutia and Sunil Chetri, this Mahindra United midfielder has even scored two wonder goals in the tournament. This has been his first ever goals for the national team.

Steven Dias`s aggressive nature made him a front-runner for the Man of the Tournament award. He has also managed to fetch two `Man of the Match` awards so far, against Cambodia and Kyrgyzstan. As Steven gave interview to Indian Express "Bob has had tremendous influence on me. He has given me a very basic mantra - minimize your limitations and maximize potential. I have made an honest attempt and it is paying off at the moment". After all this success, he never forgets to acknowledge the inspiration of Bob Houghton behind his newfound artistry.

Steven Dias, the 23-year-old made his debut in the national team in 2004. But his spiritless behavior never countenanced to the spotlight, till the Nehru Cup came around. When he was asked about the feelings about being in news, this timid midfielder says with a demure smile: "It is like living a dream. I always wanted to become a footballer and play for India. Fortunately I have been able to achieved both." In 2002, this Mahindra United player had started up a humble beginning with the Union Bank Club in second division league. Air India coach Bimal Ghosh, who immediately signed him, spotted his obvious talent.

Dias has impressed many with his smart reading of the game and a perpetual zeal to improve, including Houghton. "I am happy with what Steven has done here. He is an intelligent and honest trier, no wonder his efforts are showing results,"