AFC Asian Cup 2019: The Unpicked XI for India - Rahul Bheke, Soosairaj big misses

Michael Soosairaj (left) and Rahul Bheke were left out despite their good performances in the ISL
Michael Soosairaj (left) and Rahul Bheke were left out despite their good performances in the ISL

Goalkeeper - Mohammad Nawaz (FC Goa)

The FC Goa lad is enjoying a great season, keeping out Lalthuammawia Ralte from the XI
The FC Goa lad is enjoying a great season, keeping out Lalthuammawia Ralte from the XI

Not many teams in the world hand their goalkeeping gloves to an 18-year-old. After a couple of horrendous mistakes in the earlier stages of the ISL, Mohammad Nawaz has grown leaps and bounds. He has gained the composure a goalkeeper requires and has made 30 saves in 10 matches.

FC Goa like to play an attacking brand of football, leaving pockets of space behind. If it weren't for the brilliance of Nawaz, the Gaurs could have conceded more than 16 goals.


Left Back - Rahul Bheke (Bengaluru FC)

Rahul Bheke won the Fans' November Player of the Month
Rahul Bheke won the Fans' November Player of the Month

Rahul Bheke is a right-back by trade. But, he is the most versatile player in the league and has played in all the positions of the back-four. Defensively solid and offensively fearless, the 28-year-old has 55 clearances, 15 blocks, 1 assist, and 2 goals to his name from the 10 goals he has played.

The defender was voted as the Fans' Player of the Month in November but failed to make Constantine's list.

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Edited by Aravind Suchindran
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