I played for England alongside Eze, James and Ramsdale – now I play in Azerbaijan and captain a different country

STRAPPING centre-back Easah Suliman was a regular in the England age groups during a distinguished youth career

The Brummie-born defender was also a star within Aston Villa‘s academy, first appearing in a first-team matchday squad aged just 17.

His one and only senior appearance for the Villans then came under Steve Bruce in August 2017, when he replaced Scott Hogan for the final nine minutes of a League Cup tie against Wigan.

While attempting to make his way at club level, Suliman was marking himself out as a leader in the making on the international stage, wearing the captain’s armband for England from Under-16 to Under-20 level.

He played alongside several stars of the future within the Three Lions set-up, including the likes of Eberechi Eze, Reece James, Aaron Ramsdale and Trent Alexander-Arnold, to name just a few.

Now 26, the 6ft 2in centre-back’s career has gone in directions he may never have imagined.

Following loan spells at Cheltenham, Grimsby and FC Emmen, Suliman left Villa Park permanently in January 2020.

At the time he wrote on his Instagram account: “Thank you to everyone at Aston Villa for supporting me and helping me develop as a player and a person since I started at 8 years old.

“It has been a great 13 years and I wish the club all the best in the future.”

Like many talented young English footballers, Suliman opted to take his chances overseas – moving to Portuguese side Vitoria.

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Suliman was joined in Portugal by two fellow England youth starlets, ex-Chelsea midfielder Jacob Maddox, now of Forest Green, and former Tottenham stand-out Marcus Edwards, who now excels for Sporting Lisbon.

As he continued to adjust to men’s football, Suliman headed on further loans to second tier sides Nacional and Vilafranquense.

During his youth career at Villa, Suliman spoke of how he was inspired by England cricketer Moeen Ali, who like him is a proud Brummie of Pakistani descent.

Having worn the Three Lions at youth level, Suliman would switch his international allegiances to Pakistan last year.

Suliman now appears to have found some stability in men’s football, having signed for Azerbaijan side Sumgayit last summer, for whom he was a regular last season.

He has so far earned nine caps for Pakistan, and has already worn the captain’s armband on five occasions.

TAKING INSPIRATION

Now representing the South Asian nation, Suliman continues to be inspired by Ali.

“I have met him many times and we are quite close,” Suliman said of the cricket icon in a conversation with The Hindu last year. “Anyone who plays sport in our city looks up to him.

“He was part of the IPL-winning team recently and is back in the Ashes team.

“It shows that irrespective of your origin, you can achieve at the highest level.”

FURTHER CHALLENGES AHEAD

Suliman had plenty to look back on with pride last season, and he wrote on Instagram back in May: “End of a memorable season.

“Perfect way to finish with securing european positions with @sumqayitfc_official  thanks to the fans for all the support throughout the season.

“And not forgetting what we achieved with the national team earlier in the season by making history @pakistanffofficial”.

Unfortunately, Suliman’s unusual career path will now face a major obstacle.

According to Pakistan Football Mania, the former Villa youngster is nursing a torn ACL suffered in pre-season, and will face 8-9 months on the sidelines.

With the character and resolve he has already shown in his career, however, he is bound to return next season stronger for the setback.