Men's Hockey Pro League 2020: 3 teams with the best attack
The 2019 edition of the Pro League witnessed a total of 308 goals scored in 60 matches - not surprising, considering the huge number of ranking points on offer which propels teams to settle for nothing less than a win with a handsome margin whenever possible.
Holding back was seldom an option for most teams and the upcoming season promises to be no different.
With goal difference and goals for coming into the picture for classification after points scored and matches won, the impetus has to be on attacking hockey and teams with superior firepower upfront will fancy their chances more than the others.
Yet, there is no side with a weak defence in a competition which features only the top nine teams of the world - and the strikers can score against the best defensive units in the world which will be tested to the core.
Let's take a close look at three Pro League teams who can breach the opposition circle, consistently and effectively.
#3 India
The Indian subcontinent has been renowned over the years for a style of hockey that is fast and free-flowing as opposed to the more staid and precise approach which a lot of the European teams tend to adopt.
While the subcontinental and so-called European styles are fast converging in modern-day hockey, the Indian strikers have, to an extent, preserved their inherent flair which they love to display when the opportunity presents itself - especially against the less-fancied outfits.
Spectacular individual dribbles against a host of defenders may no longer be successful against the more established teams in the world but the speed and counterattacking skills of India's formidable forward line are the envy of many sides the world over.
The attacking firepower, bolstered by high-levels of strength and stamina that makes India one of the fittest sides in world hockey has now accorded the cutting edge to a skilful bunch whose stick work and wizardry have never failed to set the galleries alight.
The tried and tested quartet of SV Sunil, Akashdeep Singh, Ramandeep Singh, and Mandeep Singh ably assisted by Lalit Upadhyay and youngsters like Simranjeet have what it takes to be amongst the best in the world and when, on song, are a treat to watch.
If the veterans manage to remain fit and injury-free throughout the tournament the Indians will be a force to reckon with.
The challenge, however, will be to ensure that all the strikers combine seamlessly and consistently because players may need to be rotated quite often in the six-month-long competition.