We are close to the day that could define Indian football for years to come. In a little more than a week, India will take on Nepal in a FIFA World Cup qualifier and anything less than a victory could be severely detrimental to Indian football and India coach Stephen Constantine. The Englishman has selected 26 of what he considers the best Indian players currently, 14 of which are uncapped. It will be these uncapped players that will help define Indian football for years but which ones will have the biggest impact?
Here are the 5 uncapped Indian players who could really help contribute to the improvement of Indian football!
5) Anthony D’Souza (Pune FC)
The silent midfielder. Not many people notice him on the pitch but once you check the stats sheet you notice the impact he had.
4) Mandar Rao Desai (Dempo)
His impressive performance in the Indian Super League got him noticed by many and he has been rewarded with a call-up to the national team. The speedy winger will be vital to an Indian team which has lacked a technical winger for years.
3) Eugeneson Lyngdoh (Bengaluru FC)
Not much was expected from Lyngdoh after his move to Bengaluru FC but this season he has been the teams best player and the 28-year old midfielder has been rewarded with his first call-up ever to the national team.
2) Sandesh Jhingan (Sporting Goa)
The Indian Super League Emerging Player of the Year, the defender has made a name for himself within the last year and can play all across the back-line. He is tall, imposing, and very good with his feet. So far the only bright spot on a poor Sporting Goa team.
1) Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Stabæk – Sweden)
The only Indian player playing abroad right now, Gurpreet will fill a hole in the Indian team and that is the lack of a proper keeper who can keep the back-line in check for 90 minutes and not give away weird penalties that Subrata Pal did.
DesiBall 