SAFF Championship 2013: Five Under-23 players to watch out for

Sportskeeda continues the buildup to next month’s SAFF Championship by listing five under-23 players who could shine in the tournament.

The list is not in any particular order. Players aged 23 or below prior to SAFF 2013 have been considered.

Alwyn Geoge (India)

Photo Credit: AIFF Media

Age: 21 Position: Attacking Midfielder

A product of the renowned Tata Football Academy, Alwyn possibly is the only player currently from India who is capable of playing in the number 10 role just behind the striker.

Alwyn only has one international cap to his name but with Wim Koevermans regularly using the 4-4-1-1 system, the Arrows player is perfectly suited to operate in the playmaker role as he has the ability to go past players and play the final killer ball.

Alwyn was omitted from the Tajikistan friendly squad due to fitness concerns but his return to the team for SAFF 2013 suggests that Koevermans rates the youngster highly. Alwyn still has to earn his place in the first team but the stage is set for him in Nepal to build a reputation at international level.

Hassan Adhuham (Maldives)

Photo Credit: Maldivesoccer.com

Age: 23

Position: Forward/Attacking Midfielder

Only six out of the Maldives’ 22-member travelling squad to Nepal are aged 23 or below and Aduham is arguably the best and most experienced of that lot.

Aduham made his international debut four years ago and scored one of Maldives’ only two goals at the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup, which was also held in Nepal. He was also Maziya’s top scorer at the 2013 AFC Cup with four goals and will be appearing in his second SAFF Championship.

Testimonial: Aduham’s dribbling and pace will give plenty of problems to opposing defenders at SAFF 2013. He is also a born leader and captained Maldives u-23s to Rajapaksa International Trophy success last year in Sri Lanka – Mohamed Firash, Maldivesoccer.com

Jagjeet Shrestha (Nepal)

Photo Credit: GoalNepal.com

Age: 21 Position: Wide Midfielder

A product of the ANFA (All Nepalese Football Association) Academy, Jagjeet is widely referred to as the ‘Nepali Messi’ by local fans. Jagjeet has represented Nepal at various age group levels and made his international debut in 2011. The Three Star Club player also had a one-month training stint with Bayern Munich two years ago and despite his tender age, he is set to play an important role for the hosts at SAFF 2013.

Testimonial: Although a wide midfielder, Jagjeet is also quite a clinical finisher and is efficient from freekicks. He is easily one of the most technically gifted players of Nepal but has to work on his temperament – GoalNepal.com

Marouf Mohammadi (Afghanistan)

Marouf Mohammadi (No. 14)Photo Credit: Footballnameh.blogspot.com

Age: 19 Position: Wide Midfielder

Besides some quality foreign-born players, Afghanistan also have some good homegrown young talent and Mohammadi is one of the best.

The left midfielder plies his trade for Afghan club Toofan Harirood and was adjudged the best player in his very first Afghan Premier League season. He made his debut in the international friendly defeat to Tajikistan in June and scored his first goal for Afghanistan in the memorable 3-0 win over Pakistan.

Testimonial: Mohammadi is a very fast and intelligent player who can provide real quality from the left flank. The teenager may not start all the time but can be a great impact player from the bench just like the game against Pakistan – Footballnameh.blogspot.com

Kaleemullah (Pakistan)

Photo Credit: FootballPakistan.com

Age: 21 Position: Forward/Attacking Midfielder

The versatile attacker inspired KRL to the league title by finishing as the top scorer with 23 goals. Kaleemullah has also been in exceptional form in this year’s AFC President’s Cup with five goals, all of which came in the 8-0 thrashing of Bhutan champions Yeedzin FC.

The youngster is equally good in creating chances for his teammates and 2013 will be his second SAFF Championship after being part of the squad in 2011 as a teenager.

Testimonial: Kaleemullah is a dashing striker with an excellent first touch but has been primarily used as a midfielder for the Pakistan national team. He is by far the best among the local-based players – Shahrukh Sohail, FootballPakistan.com