5 young players who can make a mark against Iran
India are ready to take on Iran in the AFC Asian Cup later tonight and while the memories of the latter's 3-0 win at our home linger around, the squad that travelled to Tehran has a few additions and few omissions. Stephen Constantine has picked a relatively young – yet fairly experienced – side to take on the 44th ranked FIFA international team.
If India were to lose the game to Iran, they'd be knocked out of the running to qualify for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. Rock bottom in group D, India only have one game left in their calendar against Turkmenistan on March 29.
With Sunil Chhetri pulling out of the Iran match with a groin injury and Robin Singh still out with a long-term injury, the hope of the country falls on the shoulders of Jeje Lalpekhlua and the bunch of youngsters who have travelled with to the Iranian capital. Here are five youngsters who could really impress on the international stage: (in no particular order)
#5 Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
Gurpreet is no stranger to Indian football fans. The 24-year-old goalkeeper currently plies his trade with Norwegian Tippeligaen club Stabæk and the honour of playing in Europe – as well as qualifying for the Europa League earlier this season – has led him to cement his spot between the poles for the Indian national side.
The 6.4 ft keeper has a commanding presence in goal and has often stood up to challenging and imposing strikers with ease. Against many of group opposition Indian played in the qualifiers, Gurpreet's saves heavily helped India maintain a respectable scoreline.
Against Iran, Gurpreet will come against a very physical opposition who also often try to score from distance. The pace of the game should be nothing new to him but he's got to be on his toes to ensure India have the right backbone to base their attacks on.