Nehru Cup 2012: Young Indian players to keep an eye on

India’s only international football tournament the Nehru Cup kicks off in a few days’ time, and the 15th edition of this prestigious trophy promises to be the biggest in its recent history. Though the teams that have confirmed their participation are not the strongest in world football by any stretch of imagination, it gives the Indian football faithful a chance to see their beloved team in action.

However, it is actually quite impossible to support a team with little knowledge of its up-and-coming players. In this article, I take a look at the young Indian players who are capable of shaping India’s fortunes.

Sanju Pradhan

The 23-year-old East Bengal midfielder made his name in the I-League a few years back for his brilliant vision and understanding of the game. He managed to become an integral part of Trevor Morgan’s East Bengal team with stellar displays on the right wing. His strengths lie in his passing (both long and short), vision and ability to hit the net from outside the box. His goal against Shillong Lajong FC in the 2011-12 season still remains one of the best strikes in the last few editions of the I-League. Hailing from the tiny state of Sikkim, a lot is expected of the East Bengal captain.

Nirmal Chettri

Nirmal wins the ball off Odafa Okoli

A former Indian youth international, Nirmal has been part of the Indian teams that won the SAFF Championship in 2009 and 2011. Though originally a central defender, he has had some good performances as a right fullback. Such is the talent of the former Air India stopper that he managed to impress German footballing great Gerd Muller when Bayern’s B team toured India. Though Chettri’s then-side East Bengal lost 5-1 to the most succesful club in Germany, Gerd Muller commented,

“The player with no. 3 (Nirmal Chhetri) jersey was very good. He did a fine job in the central defence the other day and today he started in the midfield. Today he did okay. But in the first match, he proved that he can be an excellent defender.”

He was also complimented by Bayern Munich star Thomas Mueller when India played the Bavarians in January this year. The Bayern youth product said “I think I played against the right defender (Nirmal Chettri) in Kolkata, he is very strong, athletic and has improved immensely from the last time I saw him.”

Apart from his footballing skills, 21-year-old Nirmal is a natural leader. This was quite evident in the AFC Challenge Cup 2012 in Nepal, where he stood out in a dismal Indian team. Constantly shouting at his team-mates and motivating them, he was a refreshing sight in an otherwise disastrous team.

Alwyn George

Credits: AIFF

By far the most impressive player in AIFF’s developmental side Pailan Arrows, he has been described as a special talent by veteran Syed Rahim Nabi who said

“Mark my words, this is a very big star in the making.”

Alwyn, though just 20, displays the composure of a player who has seen it all, done it all and to whom no play in the book will come as a surprise. The speedy Tata Football Academy cadet has been blessed by God with oodles of skill and stamina. Combined with his blistering pace, he makes a formidable opponent.

In my opinion, his dreams of playing abroad will definitely be fulfilled sooner rather than later. His ambition to play for FC Barcelona may remain a dream for some time yet, but if he develops the physical aspect of his game he can definitely make it big in some of the top leagues in Asia, if not the world.

Manandeep Singh

Credits: AIFF

The former Air India striker has amassed the reputation of being the Indian equivalent of the classical Number 9. The second highest Indian scorer in the last edition of the Indian league, he made it to the preliminary list of the Indian team for the AFC Challenge Cup but was dropped by head coach Savio Madeira after barely getting a chance to prove himself.

His knowledge of the game has increased in the past season, and his one-two’s with the midfielders and support strikers can rip open any defence. However, as is the case with any big number 9, the greatest threat he provides is aerial dominance.

Having been a part of virtually every Indian youth setup, and having played under Arthur Papas’ pass and move regime in the Indian U22 side, he will probably not have a problem in getting used to short passing regime that new national team coach Wim Koevermans hopes to implement.

While this edition of Nehru Cup articles has looked at young Indian players to watch out for, the next will look at the veteran pillars of the Indian setup.