India’s sojourn in the U-16 AFC Championship came to a premature end, with the Indian Colts disappointingly going out after the group stages itself. It was a far cry from the goal of reaching the semifinals that the German boss Nicolai Adam had set; but there were plenty of positives for the future of Indian football.
Given that India dominated the start of two of their three group stage fixtures, its not surprising to note the air of positivity surrounding Indian football. While the likes of Sunil Chhetri, Jeje, Eugeneson Lyngdoh and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu toil away for the senior side, the 15-year-olds already look close to making the step up in a few years.
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Here are 5 of the best U-16 prospects for the Indian football senior team:
#5 Dheeraj Singh Moiranghtem
For all of the misery surrounding Indian football in the last few decades, we can comfortably say that when it comes to goalkeepers, India has been relatively blessed. Subrata Pal’s legendary run has given way to Gurpreet Singh Sandhu’s undoubted talent, but we can rest comfortably that Dheeraj is waiting in its wings.
Despite his tender 15 years, Dheeraj commands the penalty box with a calm assurance that belies his tender years, although he did show flashes of weaknesses from set-pieces. In India’s last game against Iran, with the defence besieged by the attack of the second best team in the tournament, Dheeraj managed to keep the score to a respectable 3-0, making a string of reflex saves throughout the match.
The Indian custodian’s most pivotal contribution came with two penalty saves in the first two games, the latter of which was crucial in India earning a dramatic point against Saudi Arabia. Clearly, Dheeraj has nerves of steel, and if he continues to concentrate and work hard, it won’t be long before he is competing with Gurpreet to guard India’s goal.
#4 Suresh Singh Wangjam
The Indian skipper is an easy choice to make it to the senior side, although he would be higher up in this list had he displayed his entire plethora of skills in the AFC U-16 Championship. Suresh was the inspiration for the Indian Colts in the qualifiers, netting four goals to ensure India made it to the competition they were hosting on merit.
The central midfielder exudes calm in midfield, often beginning attacks with an expansive pass from deep. However, in most of the group stage games, Suresh seemed to be a bit too ambitious, often losing possession with a risky pass or two – flaws that can be ironed out as he matures.
Not that Suresh needs too much maturing – there’s a reason Nicolai Adam gave the armband to this stocky midfielder. When India looked all set to exit the tournament, they were offered a lifeline with a last-gasp penalty against Saudi Arabia. There was no doubt who would take it – Suresh stepped up and confidently slammed it home to earn India its only point from the tournament.
#3 Boris Singh Thangjam
If Duracell ever want the perfect celebrity endorsement, they would do well to wait a couple of years for Boris to blossom. He really is a sight to behold in real life, blessed with an engine that allows him to bomb up and down the wings at a blistering rate without ever stopping to catch a breath.
While he first came into the limelight with a goal against UAE in the first group game, it was the second match against Saudi Arabia that summed up the entirety of Boris’ qualities, both good and bad. The winger was at his industrious best in the first half, working space to set up Aman Chetri for a tap in, with some quick feet and a calm cutback into the box.
However, as the game progressed, Boris was positionally caught out for the third goal, followed by getting sent off in the next game with a couple of yellow cards. These are flaws that can be ironed out however, and Boris’ naturally hard-working nature will ensure that its a question of when, not if, he will make it to the senior side.
#2 Aniket Anil Jadhav
There was plenty of hype going into the tournament surrounding Aniket, with most avid followers of Indian youth football acknowledging that he was one of India’s great big hopes. It seems as though Aniket can handle the pressure being thrust upon his broad shoulders, as he was probably India’s best player in the AFC U-16 Championship.
The tall winger is blessed with some exceptionally good technique and close control, which he often uses to burst out of tight spots on the wing. His composure on the ball ensured that he did not panic when he was set up on his weaker foot to score India’s opener against Saudi Arabia, taking his time to place the ball into the net.
It is odd however, that depite his appearance of a good physique, Aniket did get outmuscled quite a bit against many defenders, especially as he began to tire rather quickly in games. The raw ingredients for a superstar are all present though, and its only up to Aniket to keep his head down, work hard and ensure that he becomes the next big Indian star.
#1 Aman Chetri
He shares a surname (almost) with Sunil Chhetri, and its almost surreal how similar Aman is to the Indian captain on the pitch. While Sunil Chhetri has become more of a playmaker as he ages, watching Aman Chetri is already like watching Sunil in his prime – there’s very little doubt that this boy will be the star of Indian football for years to come.
It’s telling that there is a feeling amongst fans of Indian football that Aman Chetri underperformed in the AFC U-16 Championships. The forward is incredibly intelligent with his runs off the ball, working the channels and ensuring that the defenders have a torrid time, eerily reminiscent of Luis Suarez’s style of play for Barcelona.
Despite not being the tallest and facing defenders stronger that him, Aman displayed excellent technique and hold up play when playing the target man, often bringing others into play. He has all the qualities of a modern striker and then some, and the 4000 that witnessed his only goal in the tournament against Saudi Arabia will look back fondly when Aman racks up more goals for the Indian side.
The future is bright.
