Indian Football: 5 Youngsters who could make their debut under new coach Igor Stimac

#3 Anwar Ali

Anwar Ali will ply his trade with Mumbai City FC in the next season after his loan spell with Indian Arrows ends

India had a disastrous outing in the 2020 AFC U-23 Qualifiers in Uzbekistan, where the team conceded five goals in two matches under Derrick Pereira's tutelage. The only saving grace was Anwar Ali's performance in the backline.

The Indian Arrows center-back played in all the four positions of the defence in the tournament, bailing out the team whenever the opposition surged forward. If it weren't for him, India would have lost by heavier margins.

Anwar Ali has also been a regular for the Indian Arrows in the past two seasons, leading the defence with aplomb in the I-League. A no-nonsense defender, Anwar is equally familiar with both his feet.

His brilliant free-kick goal against Argentina U-20 in the COTIF Cup earned the India U-20 team a hard-fought victory against the South American giants which erupted joy in the entire nation. With Anas Edthodika also announcing his retirement, the center-back position is up for grabs and Anwar Ali is your traditional #2 to choose.