AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers: Top 5 Players to WATCH OUT – As team India embarks on a huge journey for the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, the Blue Tigers are ready to hustle against Cambodia, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. With the three games taking place at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, India will have a huge home advantage. Ahead of the exciting qualifying group stage fixtures, we here at InsideSport take a look at the top 5 players including Liston Colaco, Anirudh Thapa, Sahal Abdul Samad, and others to watch out for. Follow AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers Live & Indian Football Live Updates on InsideSport.IN
AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers: From Liston Colaco to Sahal Abdul Samad, Top 5 Players to WATCH OUT for in the Indian Team – Check Out
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu: The ever-dependent custodian of the box will be one of the key players to look out for. Though India will be facing teams that are lower in FIFA rankings, in such a big competition, any team can upset the other. Therefore a lot will depend on the performance of the goalkeeper.
When it comes to Gurpreet, the ever-dependable goalie has proved his worth time and again. With 51 caps for the national team, Sandhu will be expected to showcase his heroics in the upcoming games.
Anirudh Thapa: The young midfielder is one of the star players for the Blue Tigers. Thapa who plays for ISL side Chennaiyin FC since 2016. The Prominent midfielder who made his national team debut in 2017 has already acquired 35 caps for the team and has scored 3 goals in the process.
Thapa is one of the key players in India’s dynamic midfield and works like an absolute workhorse for the side. In the upcoming three games of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, a lot will depend on Thapa who will be tasked with the job of controlling the midfield.
Sahal Abdul Samad: The young attacking midfielder is a pure delight to watch. Abdul Samad who is primarily a midfielder can also adapt to playing in the wider areas as a winger and is a highly versatile player. Sahal shot into the limelight after his antics with ISL side Kerala Blasters over the years.
In the midfield, it will be interesting to see how Samad gels with Thapa, and the duo wreaks havoc on the opponent. Samad who made his national team debut in 2019 has already acquired 15 caps and has also scored a goal.
AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers: From Liston Colaco to Sahal Abdul Samad, Top 5 Players to WATCH OUT for in the Indian Team – Check Out
Liston Colaco: The current superstar in Indian football has been a revelation with his match-winning performances off late. Following a successful season at Hyderabad FC he made a switch to ATKMB and stole the show with his exceptional goals, runs, and dribbles.
The Goan forward made his National team debut in 2021 and has already played 9 games for the Blue Tigers. Partnering upfront with skipper Sunil Chhetri, Colaco will be a deadly threat for all the opponents. Playing in front of his home crowd in Kolkata, Colaco will be hungry to open his national team scoresheet.
#BlueTigers 🐯 star ⭐ @sahal_samad 🗣️ “We are sure that the fans will come in huge numbers to support us!”#BackTheBlue 💙 #IndianFootball ⚽ pic.twitter.com/jW5Z0MWKMh
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) June 6, 2022
Sunil Chhetri: Finally, all eyes will be on the captain, leader, and the legend. Sunil Chettri will be leading the Blue Tigers from the front as India plans on creating history by moving on to the next stage. With 126 matches and 80 goals for the country, he is the highest goal scorer for India.
Chhetri has been one of the key performers in the Indian team since his debut in 2005. These three games will be a perfect opportunity for increasing his goal tally.
AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers: From Liston Colaco to Sahal Abdul Samad, Top 5 Players to WATCH OUT for in the Indian Team – Check Out
Editors pick
