2018 SAFF Championship: 4 players who will be crucial to Team India's success

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Anirudh Thapa

4) Anirudh Thapa

Anirudh Thapa
Anirudh Thapa

The central midfielder who was a part of the AIFF Elite Academy from 2012-2016, was signed by the ISL outfit Chennaiyin FC in 2016. Though he made just one appearance for Chennaiyin in that season, he had a decent outing in the I-league with Minerva Punjab. His role at the heart of the Chennaiyin midfield was crucial in their title run at the 2017-18 ISL, ending the season with two goals in 17 appearances.

He scored the all-important away goal for Chennai in the first-leg of the semi-finals against FC Goa at Fatorda. Eventually, he won the 2017-18 ISL title with Chennaiyin FC against Bengaluru FC at Sree Kanteerava Stadium in March 2018. Thapa, who made his International debut in India's 1-1 draw against Saint Kitts and Nevis in August 2017, has so far represented the Blue Tigers in seven matches, with two assists to his name.

The pacy Dehradun born midfielder will be trying to replicate his ISL success to help India retain their South Asian crown.

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Edited by Arvind Sriram
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